A Psalm of Suffering

12 For He delivers the needy when he calls,

    the poor and him who has no helper.

13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,

    and saves the lives of the needy.

14 From oppression and violence He redeems their life,

    and precious is their blood in His sight.

18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

    who alone does wondrous things.

19 Blessed be His glorious name forever; may the whole earth 

  be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen!

20 The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.*

In today’s psalm, King Solomon writes of the attributes of God that deliver us from our own suffering here on earth. God essentially does many great and mighty things. He is our deliverer (Israel recognizes this language as they were delivered from Egypt out of slavery). He has pity on the weak and needy and saves the lives of those in need. 

Solomon finishes with a doxology (v18–20) for our redeemer (v14) who has delivered us from suffering to the promise of eternal life. A common hymn we sing is a song of praise for our creator and redeemer called “The Doxology.”

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise Him, all creatures here below.

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

We pray: Merciful Father, hear my prayer when I suffer. Help me to know my prayer will be answered in Your time. Help me to accept Your answer as Christ did in the garden when He said, “Your will, not mine.” In all, Your grace is sufficient for me. In Christ, Amen.

*The note at the end of the psalm is explained in the Lutheran Study Bible notes. At one time, the Book of Psalms may have ended here. David is usually attributed as the “main writer of Psalms.” Psalm 72 is now the ending psalm of “Book Two.” The Psalms is a book divided into “Five Books:” 1–41, 42–72, 73–89, 90–106, 107-150.