God of the Afflicted

God of the Afflicted (Ps. 9:9-10; 18).

God is the eternal hope for humanity, afflicted by the curse of sin and suffering. Understanding the struggles of his beloved creatures, God chooses to bind himself in an everlasting covenant to be a God of the hopelessness and helplessness. David writes, “But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish” (Ps. 9:18). Their hope therefore will never be overshadowed by the darkness and always available for the humble who confess their lordship in the triune God. In this place of rest and comfort, afflicted individuals can freely come to find relief.

Why would a holy God care for the destitute, considered useless, unclean, or unattractive by society? His mercy is open to all people. Though he hates sin, God has compassion for the broken, including the wicked, who also suffer the consequences of their actions. He yearns for them to turn to him and find refuge in his mercy. Again in the same chapter, David declares, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Ps. 9:9-10). It is important to note that the needy are not necessarily saints. God will judge the oppressor and oppressed equally using the same righteous scale. By extending his covenant from saving the righteous to becoming a refuge for the poor, God welcomes them regardless of their sins and failures.

As long as the God of Israel exists, there is always room in his refuge for the afflicted. The needy and afflicted are not just victims of oppression. They represent all people enslaved by the cycle of sin and death. In his sanctuary, there is no discrimination - rich, poor, righteous, wicked, oppressor, oppressed, Jew, pagan - all are welcome. God’s everlasting hope is for humanity's redemption through his everlasting mercy. This demonstrates the depth of God’s holy, sovereign love.

I pray that God’s endless mercy may be upon all people who are broken. God is the only hope of humanity. Choose God and hold his words and promises.