Thursday, June 2 – Psalm 68:5

A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows,
Is God in His holy dwelling.

Think of a time you saw a child act or speak in a way that showed a direct resemblance to their parents. A child will say or do things that exemplify their parents because of their shared genes and experiences. When we read this passage about God, we are reading a description of part of who He is (His “DNA,” if you will) and what He does (His experiences/pursuits). This description matters to us because being followers of Christ means being children of God. And just like with earthly families, we should display His character to others.

From this passage, we see that God not only values life but also takes on an active role tending to and caring for life. The value of His creation leads Him to action. He becomes a Father to the fatherless and a defender of the widowed. The fact that the psalmist pointed out how God does this: “in his holy dwelling” indicates that these are core to who God is and what He does. God is “at home” in this role.

Do we look like our Father in this way? We all have different gifts and preferences, but when we read that this is something that is core to God’s character, it should also hold priority for us. This care for those in need is a calling we all share as His people.

• How does this part of God’s identity encourage you? Challenge you?
• How do you feel when you consider this is a calling you share as a follower of Jesus?
• Pray and ask God to show you those in need that you are called to serve.