Thoughts for the Day

Happy are those who consider the poor;
the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.
The Lord protects them and keeps them alive;
they are called happy in the land.
You do not give them up to the will of their enemies.
The Lord sustains them on their sickbed;
in their illness you heal all their infirmities.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Have your bills shot up, well mine certainly have - oil for heating has doubled since November, electricity has shot up, and petrol is increasing by the hour seemingly. Only my house insurance has gone down (which is equally amazing). It's pretty obvious that prices for everything will go up because of the rise of petrol costs. Many of us will manage even if we have to be much more careful with our resources. But what of those who haven't had enough food before this crisis in Ukraine occurred and who have beeb relying on food banks? Who will help them?

Psalm 41 is a Psalm of David as he reflects on the blessings that come to someone who helps the poor. The word for 'poor' is wider than just those with no income, it means those who are weak in body or mind or those whom no-one loves. We are all called to care for those in need, and in return God will bless us.

I realise while wanting to help Ukrainians I have taken my eye of my local food bank, PATCH. I know I am lucky and I can help, but today, can we all help someone in need in our local area?

Heavenly Father,
often we forget what it must be like
to live without adequate food
or heat or a suitable home.
Sometimes we help,
but days can go into weeks
and we forget those who must suffer daily.
Help us to be merciful
as You are merciful to us,
and bless us, we pray.
Amen.