Today's Daily Bread

HAVE REGARD FOR THE WEAK

Date : Friday, May 15, 2026
Passage : Psalm 41:1~13
Keyverse : 1  
1
[For the director of music. A psalm of David.] Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.
2
The LORD protects and preserves them - they are counted among the blessed in the land - he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
3
The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.
4
I said, "Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you."
5
My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?"
6
When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around.
7
All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying,
8
"A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies."
9
Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.
10
But may you have mercy on me, Lord; raise me up, that I may repay them.
11
I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.
12
Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.
13
Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
When we experience grave trouble, nothing is more comforting and strengthening than God’s presence and promises. God often expresses his presence through his people who have regard for us in our weakness. We experience rich blessings through such people as they support us in our struggles. God calls such people blessed (1). The LORD protects them in their troubles. He sustains them when they themselves become sick (3).

The Psalmist also experiences trouble. He prayed for mercy and healing, connecting his trouble with his sin against God. Instead of helping him though, those around him wish malice upon him. His enemies hope he will die. Some come to visit him, but they only slander him before others. Even his close friend, someone he trusted and shared bread with, turned against him. The betrayal of a close friend was most painful. John 13:18 quotes verse 9 to describe Judas’ betrayal of Jesus.

Finally, he prays for the LORD’s mercy and to repay his enemies. He believes God will uphold him. He is not discouraged by those who abandon him but praises our everlasting God.

Will you have regard for the weak? Like Jesus, be a close friend of the weak. You will surely be blessed.

Prayer: Father, as you have had regard for me in my weakness, help me to likewise love others.
One Word: Love your neighbor as yourself