**Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.** Proverbs 31:8,9
OUR SUPERPOWER
Bathsheba’s counsel continues with a plea for those who cannot defend themselves. As king and as a national leader, she encourages Solomon to be aware of those who have no voice. To defend those who have been deceived, possibly, like her husband Uriah. To protect women who are used and demeaned by others as she was herself.
Of course, there are those who literally cannot speak or are hard of hearing. The disabled. Those unjustly accused.
Each of us can do our part. We are not all lobbyists or perhaps time or circumstance impede us from taking a public stand for others in need. But we can encourage, support, and protect those that are near us.
The second greatest commandment tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. If we were in a difficult situation, wouldn’t we want a helping hand?
A phone call, a written note, a meal, a cup of coffee with a hurting friend or family member. Listening, encouraging, praying for one another. Widows, someone going through a divorce, or financial crisis. Having compassion, like we talked about a couple of days ago.
Compassion is an action word. It puts our emotions in motion. We need to do more than just feel bad for those who are suffering. We can visit the elderly, defend the unborn, encourage a new mom, give to those who have less, encourage political leaders who are governing well.
And, of course, the most powerful help we can give is prayer. Prayer changes hearts and lives. Prayer moves the hand of a loving and compassionate God. Prayer connects our or others’ pain with the Healer, the Provider, the Great Physician, the Champion of Widows and Orphans. Prayer is our Superpower.
Let’s all take Bathsheba’s counsel and reach out to help someone today who is struggling to find a way out of their current hardship. It just takes a phone call, an emoji even, or a few minutes of prayer to lighten someone’s burden.
None of us can help everyone. Only the Lord can do that. But we can help one person. Just one. Maybe we could choose one person and pray for them throughout the day that God will show his loving hand in a clear way so this person would know they are loved by their Heavenly Father. It’s our Superpower. Let’s not waste it.