Whilst in captivity, Israel prayed to God to rescue them. God, in his usual unfailing love and compassion, sent an angel to announce the conception and birth of Samson who would deliver them in answer to their prayer. Samson’s mother was barren at the time. In those days, the downtrodden included those who were barren and were scorned. God answers prayer through channels we least expect. David prayed in Psalms 74: 21 do not let the downtrodden be put to shame; let the poor and needy praise your name. He also said in Psalms 147: 6 the LORD lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground.
Who are the downtrodden?
They are those we opine are not relevant or do not impact positively on our lives. Samson, son of a downtrodden, would deliver Israel in his days. Job 36: 5 says “Surely God is mighty and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding. God knows and understands all our needs and makes us relevant when we are nobody to the world. What God requires of the downtrodden is to be firm in our faith and conviction no matter the circumstances. Psalms 15: 4 says God honours those who fear the LORD; who stand by their oath even to their hurt. God will use us to honour his name.
God does not despise the downtrodden
David wrote in Psalms 22: 24 for he (God) did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. We must not give up on God when the tempest rises against us. Psalms 69: 33 says for the LORD hears the needy, and does not despise his own that are in bonds. God did not forget Israel nor fail to hear the prayer of Manoah and her wife just as he did for Samuel’s parents, Elkanah and Hannah. Whoever you are, God hears you when you pray sincerely. Psalms 102: 17 says he will regard the prayer of the destitute, and will not despise their prayer.
How does God use the downtrodden?
Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 1: 28-29 God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. Jesus was born to a carpenter to be trained and nurtured. The angel of the Lord said to Joseph in Matthew 1: 20, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. The ordinary or downtrodden may be God’s channels of blessings in our lives. We are all equal before God, the difference in economic or social status is only temporary and received by grace.
God shows no partiality in blessings
Paul wrote in Romans 10: 12 for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. God does not discriminate between the rich and the poor, the recognized and downtrodden, the day and the night. In Cornelius’ house, Peter said in Acts 10: 34-35, I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. We were created to play a unique role in the circumstances we find ourselves in. Can God use us as channels of blessings to this generation to deliver us from the bondage of sin?
Is our situation permanent?
The downtrodden may soar one day at God’s pleasure. What challenges do we have which our God cannot resolve? Do we feel inferior as downtrodden or are we arrogant because of our status? Are we despised or do we despise others? Do we feel humiliated or do we humiliate others for what they are? Are we insulted or do we insult others for whatever reasons? God allowed the circumstances we face for a reason, for his glory and honour. The downtrodden are equally important to God and not forsaken.
When Assyria sent to mock the living God, the words of the prophets said in 2Kings 19: 4, Isaiah 37: 4, lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left. No one is yet finished as a creation of God whilst alive but can be enhanced by prayer. Numbers 6: 26 says the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. When David was confronted with frustration, he prayed to the Lord in Psalms 25: 1 to you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. In Christ Jesus, there are no downtrodden but partners in the body of Christ.
The Lord will honour his plans for our lives if we will continue to trust him. Jeremiah 29: 11 says for surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. God is able to lead and guide us to his plan even as downtrodden. Psalms 31: 3 says for your name’s sake lead me and guide me. Psalms 73: 24 says you guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me with honour.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, forgive our sins for looking down on others as if they are not your creation. Help us to respect your wisdom for the varieties of life which work to your glory and honour. We thank you for not showing partiality in your blessings to us but as one people by your Holy Spirit. Humble us in your righteousness so we may be channels of blessings to others. We pray in your blessed holy name, Amen!!
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