Psalm 136:12

New King James Version

With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm,
For His mercy endures forever.

For Encouragement

Does God care about the oppressed?

People have spoken much about God’s mighty hand actively working on behalf of the world’s suffering and afflicted, but why do so many people suffer under abusive conditions worldwide?

The fact is, there is too much wickedness in this world. Injustice and exploitation prevail everywhere and at all levels of life. Many people get denied fair wages. Millions work in extreme conditions, lacking proper protection and medical coverage. In many places, men abuse and exploit women. Neglected children lack adequate nutrition, education, and necessities for life. The very shepherds responsible for the care and spiritual nourishment of Christians mislead and exploit them. Where is God in all of this?

This question is ageless and comes up wherever oppression prevails and will continue until Christ comes. But it is important to remember that God cares about the suffering, underprivileged, oppressed, and marginalized everywhere and answers when they call. Even in His silence, His answers come to the trusting servant, offering profound reassurance in their crucible.

The Bible is replete with examples of how God dealt with the cry of His suffering people. Walk through its pages with the Holy Spirit, and He will speak through similar situations to your story to comfort you. God has recorded His saints’ sufferings and how He dealt with them for our sake so that we may know and continue to trust Him, even in our darkest hours, understanding that our struggles are not unique and that God’s care is unwavering and constant.

Take the example of the prophet Habakkuk, who complained about the prevalent violence and injustice in his time (Hab. 1:2-4) and God’s proposed solution (5-11). God responded that He misses nothing in this world and always reserves His response for an appointed time.

“Though [My response] lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay” (Hab. 2:3)

Again, consider Israel in Egypt (Ex. 1:8-14). They had to endure the cruelty of Egypt for God’s appointed 430 years before their deliverance (Gen. 15:13-14) with a mighty and outstretched hand (Ex.6:6), and with a generous compensation, too (3:21-22; 12:35-36). In Psalm 136, a Psalm that celebrates God’s enduring love, His creative power, and sustaining hand, the Psalmist walks through this deliverance and commands Israel to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

The fact is that God has a plan for this world, and every situation we experience is part of this ultimate plan. He may not seem fair to us sometimes, but He is never unjust. He still asks us to trust Him, even when we don’t understand. It is all about His sovereignty and justice. He walks through every situation of His children with them (Is. 43:1-2), assuring them of His continued presence. He never leaves nor forsakes them (Heb. 13:5-6). This scripture is a promise you can draw comfort from and say with David, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psa 23:4), providing a sense of security in the face of uncertainty.

Pray with Me

I Celebrate your enduring love today, Lord, convinced of your Ever-presence with me through every situation this week and every day in Christ Jesus, amen.