Reading the Bible is an important part of how we can grow in our faith, but we know many people question why the Bible is not relevant for today. With its old language and confusing references, it can feel irrelevant or disconnected. But these Scripture meditations are meant to help you bridge that disconnect and encounter reasons why the Bible IS relevant.
God Cares for the Oppressed
The news is… a lot lately. It’s hard to ignore the struggles we see surrounding us—sometimes it feels engulfing.
We worry about oppression in so many forms, ever-rising political tensions, and how to create more equality into a world where we fight with each other too often. While we do what we can—sharing posts on social media to spread awareness, having discussions with family and friends, and donating to important causes—it still doesn’t feel like enough.
In overwhelming times like these, reading through Psalm 10 can help us remember that God hears the cries of the oppressed, and he is their greatest defender.
(side note: have you found any simple or creative ways to pursue justice? What does that look like for you? DM us on Instagram @reclaim.today)
Join us in this Scripture meditation through Psalm 10!
Psalm 10:17-18
17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals
will never again strike terror.
What This Teaches Us about God
- He listens to those who are afflicted (v. 17)
- He is an encourager (v. 17)
- He cares for all (v. 18)
Prayers of Response
Father, I admit that I’ve doubted your attentiveness to the cries of _________, because _________.
Lord, when I think about joining you to defend the fatherless and the oppressed, I feel overwhelmed because _________.
Prayer Requests
God, I pray for _________ (name/place/group) in these difficult times. May they remember that you are their voice.
Father, I feel exhausted about _________. Please prepare me for _________.
Prayers of Readiness
Lord, I pray that you show me a way to be a defender of _________ currently, and in the future.
Holy Spirit, give me grace for those in my life who seem to be ignoring the cries of the oppressed because _________.
Turning to Scripture in times of hardship or when you’re in need of guidance is a great way to connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life. Visit this page for more Scripture meditations.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
