I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me (Psalms 40:17).

There are billions of souls that live on the earth today. Yet each individual included in that great multitude could say at any moment, "The Lord thinks upon me," and every person would be right. The fact is humanly incomprehensible, but by faith we know it to be true. Don't you think that the God who sees when a sparrow falls to the ground must surely have a greater regard for even you who is made in His divine image, and destined for eternal life with Him? Maybe you feel you are poor and needy; know the Lord still thinks about you. If your poverty be of the material kind, the Lord takes note, and more, He is eager to do something about it if you are doing your part by faith and through effort. Poor is different to every individual. You can possess much and still be poor and you might have little and still be rich because you value that which about eternal things. If your poverty and need be spiritual, the Lord has a regard for you. Are you burdened with guilt or sin? The Lord is thinking about you and longs to lift your burden. Are you discouraged? The Lord knows, and can send light and courage if you will lift your eyes heavenward. Are you sick, or have a loved one who suffers affliction or is burdened with the weight of years? The Lord sees and longs to strengthen you of your sufferings and to bring comfort to you. Are you tempted often to sin? The Lord wants to deliver you by His strong arm. Do you feel lonely and forsaken? The Lord is there to be a friend who is always closer than any human and will walk beside you through all your days while you are here on earth. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust with all your heart in Him who never forgets you and knowing that which is best is His will for you (My thoughts with Prelude for Prayer, page 190). Sherry