1424) I am fortunate because my parents made it a priority that I learn about and know the word of God — the Bible. The lessons I learned growing up have given me the foundation for a productive life and ministry through teaching and writing.

These thoughts came to mind while reading Psalm 41:3. Here, David says the Lord will nurse those who are sick and restore health to them. Wonderful words, but you can’t isolate this verse without looking at the ones that precede it.

In verses 1-2, David is speaking to those who consider the poor. We can translate the Hebrew word for consider as “to give insight, teach, or give attention to.” What I understand this to mean is God expects us to help those less fortunate. I don’t think this means solely financially; I think this means those less fortunate than us in any area. For me, this means I am to use the gifts that came from years of Christian education, Bible teaching, studying and writing to help those who have not had the benefit of them.

Using the gifts God has given me has done so much for my health and wellbeing. I feel useful, and I get to see the fruit God is producing through me. This is what I believe verse 3 is referring to.

My challenge to you is to give of your gifts to those less fortunate and if you don’t know what your gifts are, ask God to reveal them. God will bless you