Sienna, my Yorkshire Terrier weighs just a little over five pounds. Living with and caring for such a small canine presents its’ own challenges. When I go out and leave the dogs alone, Sienna has her own space away from the bigger dogs. I have no fears that the larger ones would intentionally harm her, unintentionally however is a different matter. Sienna does not go out into the dogs’ acre of fenced yard by herself either, as owls and hawks see her as easy pickings for their dinner. She requires help getting onto the bed or into the car and one must always be aware of her presence so as not to inadvertently step upon her tiny feet. Her food also needs to be bite size for her small teeth and mouth. Sienna is vulnerable in ways that my other dogs are not.

Many vulnerable people in our world today also need us to be aware of their specific challenges, just as I am aware of Sienna’s. All of us know people who are struggling in some way. Poverty, illness, age, loneliness, addiction, grief, abuse of all types surrounds us daily. The question is, how aware do we choose to be when it comes to their vulnerability and what we are willing to do to care for and protect them?

The Psalmist pens in Psalm 82:3-4: “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (NIV)

Paul writes: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians: 6:2 NIV)

Solomon wisely states: “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs: 19:17 NIV)

God requires all of us to be aware of the vulnerable and to do something to help and protect them. Taking the time to visit a shut-in, to buy a coffee or a light meal for the homeless person, sending an encouraging card to the grieving, dropping off flowers or a casserole to the ill, volunteering to babysit, cleaning out our closets to supply the Good Will with inexpensive clothing for those less fortunate are all ways to help, care and protect them. Volunteering with non-profit organizations who also fight for the needs of the vulnerable is another great way to take godly action.

The vulnerable surround us every day. May we petition God today, to open our eyes and hearts to not only see them but to also lend them a helping hand.

Prayer: Father God, open my eyes today to the vulnerable in my midst and encourage and strengthen my heart to minister to them by the guiding power of Your Holy Spirit. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada