Psalm 40:17 (ESV) -- As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

“I was thinking about you this week.” Have you ever had someone say this to you? Anytime someone says anything remotely close to this it touches our heart. Why? Because it shows that people think about us even when they’re not with us. It reminds us that we are known and loved. It is an acknowledgment of our value. These types of things matter to us a great deal.

Our passage today takes this to a different level. It isn’t just anyone who is thinking about us or mindful of us, it is God. The psalmist writes, “As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought of me. You are my help and my deliverer, do not delay, O my God!” What a thought!

The psalmist describes his own status as poor and needy. He is down. But the Lord takes thought of him. The God of the universe has His eyes on him. This is an incredible reality to meditate on. This isn’t meant to be a threat or produce fear. This is meant to comfort the one who is hurting and struggling. In fact, this is what the psalmist goes on to say. The Lord is his help and deliverer. The implication is that this individual is in need of help. He needs rescue. And the Lord is that for him. But the Lord can only be that for him if the Lord is mindful of him. 

This touches our lives today. No matter what we face or are going through, the Lord takes thought of us. We don’t have to be “important people” according to the world’s standards. We don’t need big followings or high-profile positions in order for the Lord to take thought of us. He is our help and deliverer, even though we are poor and needy. 

Rejoice in this truth today. He is near to you. He takes thought of you. The Lord is mindful of all you need today. He will deliver. 

Reflection & Journal:
- Why should the psalmist words in this passage inspire and encourage us?
- What does this passage teach us about the importance of our status and position?
- How can we encourage others with the truth that God takes thought of them?

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