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“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows

Is God in His holy habitation.

God settles the solitary in a home;

He leads out the prisoners to prosperity,

But the rebellious dwell in a parched land.” (Psalm 68:5-6)

Psalm 68:5-6 is such a precious passage because it reveals how the LORD is particularly concerned for those whom the world routinely overlooks. Whether it’s the orphan, the widow, the lonely, or a prisoner who has recently been released from gaol.

The LORD takes a special interest and even a great delight in those who are powerless and lacking in influence. Truly, He is a “father to the fatherless and protector of widows”. This is why the apostle James writes:

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)

How much more is this the case with those who are still in their mother’s womb! Who could be more vulnerable or powerless than they?

Tragically, we live in a day and age where children are viewed as not having human rights until after they have been born. Even then their protection is far from guaranteed, and we are starting to see people advocating for infanticide.

But as the following video points out—albeit with reverent humour—there is legally no “magical birth canal” which confers value on someone. Instead, this is something we all have from the moment of conception.

We are precious to God simply because we have been fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-16). For the Bible teaches that we have all been created in the image of the triune God.

But sometimes we are tempted to believe that this preciousness might not be relevant to us. Perhaps it’s because of a sickness, personal opposition or a trial of some kind we are going through. Yes, everyone is precious to God, but does He truly think that of me? 

In the light of Sarai’s mistreatment of her servant, Hagar fled to the desert, and in her distress sat down by a spring or well. In His grace the LORD sent an angel to Hagar telling her that the He had listened to her affliction (Gen. 16:11). As such, Hagar was to go back to her mistress with the LORD promising that she too would also produce innumerable descendants just as Sarai would.

It’s a remarkable promise because the blessing regarding offspring was experienced not just by Sarai but also by Hagar. In response to God’s gracious promise to her, Hagar gave the name Beer Lahai Roi to the well which was there. Literally translated, the expression means, “Well of the Living One who sees me”.

In a similar way, while we will all endure hardship, trial and sometimes even deep pain and disappointment, we can be assured that the LORD always hears and sees what we are going through. This is because Jesus is the true and final Beer Lahai Roi. As Jesus is recorded as saying in John’s Gospel.

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7:37-39)

So, whether you’re married or single, healthy or sick, wealthy or poor, you and I are never alone. Indeed, God the Holy Spirit lives inside each and every believer, and He is inside us as a “river of living water”.

The LORD is not only mighty to save, but He also comforts us with His love and faithfully provides for us with His care. This is why we should always keep on trusting in Him, especially when we feel like giving up. For with the LORD there is always hope!

Prayer:

O LORD and Heavenly Father, we thank you for speaking to us through your Word. You know better than we do the pain and heartache that each of us is going through. Please strengthen, encourage and comfort us.

Grant us the wisdom and grace to know how we can carry each other burdens and be a blessing to each other. Finally, we ask that You would come to each one of us just as you did with Hagar, that through the promises of your Word we would have hope.

Thank you for hearing our prayers for we ask all of these things in and through Jesus’ precious Name, Amen.

– Mark Powell