Devotions from Psalms Series: The Cure for Begging

Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. Psalm 37:25 NLT

If the godly are never abandoned and their children never have to beg for food, then how do I explain some of the things I’ve witnessed?

One godly family of four comes to mind. Their children were the same age as my younger brothers. My father was their pastor. Trouble followed them. Financial woes were their bedfellows. No sooner did they wade through the waters of one unfortunate circumstance than another rolled in like an obstinate tide. They needed help of various sorts on many occasions.

And what about love offerings? Every church I’ve belonged to has taken them up for people with needs. Food banks are a part of many churches’ ministries. If no one needs food, what’s their purpose?

Then there are the shut-ins. Godly people who have served God all their lives but who can’t attend church anymore. Tears fill their eyes as they tell me how much they want to be there. Their stories of financial hardship touch my heart. Paying their bills and getting medicine are challenges.

During his lifetime, the psalmist never saw the godly abandoned or their children begging. My experience has been different. What’s the explanation? Israel worshiped one God and cared for their neighbors. God commanded it; they did it. At least, for the most part. And so did the early church. Members sold possessions to get money to give to those in need.

When we see others in need, we have one of three choices. We can assume their plight is their fault. They made poor financial decisions. Perhaps, they have some horrendous sin in their life for which God is punishing them. They gambled, and it caught up with them.

A second choice is to turn the other cheek because we don’t want to interfere with what God might be doing in their life. Perhaps He is disciplining them for unconfessed and purposeful sins. Maybe He is preparing them for a task, as He did with Moses, when He placed him on the backside of the wilderness.

But neither of the above is a good choice. If we just help—and leave off the judging—then they might not have to beg. And if all believers would help—as all of Israel and the early church did—then no one would have to beg. The cure for begging is for everyone to help as God gives them the ability and opportunity.

Open your hands and be the cure for begging.

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Martin Wiles

Martin Wiles lives in Greenwood, SC, and is the founder of Love Lines from God. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, pastor, and author. He serves as Managing Editor for both Christian Devotions and Vinewords.net and is an instructor for the Christian PEN (professional editor’s network). Wiles is a multi-published author. His most recent book, Hurt, Hope and Healing: 52 Devotions That Will Lead to Spiritual Health, is available on Amazon. He and his wife are parents of two and grandparents of seven. He can be contacted at [email protected].