DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
APRIL 22, 2026
READ: Psalm 72 (Focus vs. 12-14)
MEMORY VERSE
He will deliver . . . the afflicted who have no one to help. Psalm 72:12
BACKGROUND
As the Taliban swiftly overran the Afghanistan government in 2021, and tens of thousands were trapped with no way to escape, many were isolated and desperate.
Ordinary citizens jumped to action, including one young man who launched an Instagram campaign, raising $7 million to pay for chartered evacuation flights.
“We’ve shed the political divisions in this situation,” he told a news outlet, “and really come together from all walks of life to rally together and save these people.” They chose to jump into the fray.
It’s not just Afghanistan. From skyscrapers to villages around the world, so many people are alone—enduring crushing sorrows. It’s stunning, however, to see God’s attention turned toward these places of suffering and hopelessness.
Somehow, ultimately, in His own way and time, He will “deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help” (72:12). And remarkably, one way God’s help arrives is through us.
Psalm 72 refers to both King Solomon’s work and God’s work—and it’s not always easy to disentangle which is which. God is the rescuer, but He calls us to move with Him.
When we encounter injustice or suffering, we can join Him, moving right into the middle of the ruin. We can follow God and go into the places where no one else is there to help.
Winn Collier
INSIGHT
Psalm 72 is one of only two psalms attributed to King Solomon (see also Psalm 127). The Expositor’s Bible Commentary says of Psalm 72, “This psalm is a royal psalm wherein petition is made for the prosperity of the Lord’s anointed.
The psalm is messianic in the sense that Jesus is the ‘Christ’ (‘anointed one’) who shares in all the promises made to David and to his descendants (see 2 Samuel 7).”
Seen as a messianic psalm, it anticipates the time when Jesus will return as “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15; see Revelation 19:16) and bring an end to all injustice and suffering.
In fact, this psalm was the inspiration for the classic hymn “Jesus Shall Reign” by Isaac Watts, which celebrates the future worldwide reign of Christ. Today, as we wait for His return, we can join Him and help those who are suffering.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
What situation have you encountered where it seems like there’s no one else to help? How can you join God in that place?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
When we encounter injustice or suffering, we can join Him, moving right into the middle of the ruin. We can follow God and go into the places where no one else is there to help.
PR’s TAKE
“…From skyscrapers to villages around the world, so many people are alone—enduring crushing sorrows. It’s stunning, however, to see God’s attention turned toward these places of suffering and hopelessness… Ultimately, in His own way and time, He will “deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. And remarkably, one way God’s help arrives is through us.” Today’s Post
“It is not your duty to finish the work (of God), but neither are you at liberty to neglect it…” Rabbi Tarfon
God calls us to partner with him not because He needs our help but He desires to see us experience the joy of the Harvest. Pr
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for promising to help us—and for calling us to join You in helping others.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“A CHARGE TO KEEP I HAVE”
A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
Anever-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill,
O may it all my pow’rs engage
To do my Master’s will!
Arm me with watchful care
As in Thy sight to live,
And now Thy servant, Lord, prepare
A strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray,
And still on Thee rely,
O let me not my trust betray,
But press to realms on high.
