Anchor My Faith

Author: Stephen Weller
1,364 words, 7 minutes read time

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God Our Protector

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33 ESV)

This verse is found in a section in which Paul is speaking about how God has set Israel aside until the fullness of the Gentiles and then he will again direct his attention on them. It is God’s intent to show mercy to both the Jew and the Gentile. It is in this context of God showing mercy to all that Paul says, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

God is rich in that he owns everything that was created, but he is rich in other nonmaterial ways. God is love (1 John 4:8, 16) and thus his love is infinite. It is a love so great that he was willing to sacrifice his only Son to secure our salvation. “How precious is your steadfast love, O God!” (Psalm 36:7 ESV).

Three verses that speak of the wisdom and knowledge of God: “in whom (Jesus) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3 ESV); “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” (Psalm 139:6 ESV); and “so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 3:10 ESV).

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. (Psalm 68:5 ESV)

At a first reading of our verse we notice that it relates to those who have lost their fathers and widows who have lost their husbands who will then be protected by God. Why are some fatherless and some without husbands or possibly wives?

In the context of Psalm 68, there are enemies that have inflicted harm resulting in children without fathers and wives without husbands. In such a patriarchal society as existed then, and even today, for a family to be without a man as its head results in that family being seen as outcasts of society. This was clearly seen in the book of Ruth, making Naomi and Ruth social outcast.

I our western society today there are many who fall into this category because of divorce, but the best parallel are those who live in countries of persecution. My time doing mission work in Asia and my continual gathering of information on those under persecution, I see what happens to so many when the decision to follow Jesus is made. I know young people who have been disowned by their families, fathers and husbands who have been murdered for their faith, leaving their families in a vulnerable position. I have worked with missionary family since 2006 that I met in Asia, whose father and husband was murdered for his Christian work there. I have tried to do some of the things for them that their father might have done for them over the years and continue to do so.

As I have a heart for these people, God has a much greater one as he can truly become a Father to the fatherless and a protector of widows. Through spiritual birth he is their Father and as his children he deeply loves them and will care for them. As protector of widows, he has raised up organizations like The Voice of Martyrs to come along side to help.

“He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:18 ESV). “he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin” (Psalm 146:9 ESV). At times in the physical realm this may not be clearly seen because of what God does behind the scene in the spiritual realm. God says, “You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child” (Exodus 22:22 ESV) and if you do you have sinned and are open to his judgment.

Father, we need to learn more from and about those being persecuted and pray for their encouragement, endurance and steadfastness of faith as one day we might find ourselves in their place.

The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT

Summary Theme

God’s Compassionate Care for the Vulnerable

Summary Paragraph

Psalm 68:5 reveals the compassionate heart of God toward those who are vulnerable, neglected, and without earthly protection. In a world where orphans and widows often faced hardship and injustice, God presents Himself as their defender, provider, and protector. He is not distant from human suffering but actively cares for those who have been overlooked or abandoned. This verse demonstrates God’s character as both loving and righteous. From His holy dwelling place, He exercises perfect justice while extending mercy and compassion to those in need. Believers are encouraged to trust in God’s care and to reflect His heart by showing kindness, protection, and support to the vulnerable around them.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. Why does God identify Himself as a Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows?

Answer:
God identifies Himself in this way because He is deeply concerned for those who lack protection, provision, and support. Throughout Scripture, widows and orphans represent people who are especially vulnerable to neglect and injustice. By calling Himself their Father and Judge (Defender), God reveals His loving nature and His commitment to justice. He steps into the lives of those who have experienced loss and provides what they cannot find elsewhere. This demonstrates that God’s love extends particularly to those who are hurting and in need of His care.

2. What does this verse teach us about the character of God?

Answer:
This verse teaches that God is compassionate, just, merciful, and personal. He is not merely a powerful ruler in heaven; He is actively involved in the lives of His people. His holiness does not make Him distant from human suffering. Instead, from His holy habitation He watches over the weak and acts on their behalf. God combines perfect justice with tender compassion, ensuring that those who trust in Him are never forgotten. His concern for the vulnerable reflects His righteous character and unfailing love.

3. How should believers respond to the truth found in Psalm 68:5?

Answer:
Believers should respond by trusting God’s care in times of loneliness, loss, or hardship and by imitating His compassion toward others. Since God values and protects the vulnerable, His people should do the same. Christians are called to care for widows, orphans, the poor, and those who are struggling. This verse challenges believers to demonstrate God’s love through practical acts of service, encouragement, and generosity. As we reflect God’s heart, we become instruments through which His compassion is displayed to the world.

4. How does this verse provide comfort to those who feel abandoned or alone?

Answer:
Psalm 68:5 assures people that even when human relationships fail or are lost, God remains present and faithful. Those who have experienced rejection, grief, or loneliness can find comfort in knowing that God sees them, cares for them, and understands their needs. He becomes the perfect Father to those without one and the faithful Defender of those who have no advocate. His love is constant and His protection is sure. This promise reminds believers that they are never truly alone because God Himself is watching over them with compassion and care.

5. How is God’s care for the vulnerable ultimately demonstrated through Jesus Christ?

Answer:
Jesus perfectly revealed the Father’s heart by showing compassion to the poor, the outcast, the sick, widows, and those rejected by society. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ made it possible for believers to be adopted into God’s family as His children. Those who were spiritually orphaned because of sin are brought near to God through faith in Christ. Jesus not only teaches God’s compassion but embodies it, offering forgiveness, salvation, and eternal fellowship with the Father. Through Christ, God’s promise to care for the vulnerable reaches its fullest expression.