Psalm 9 is filled with a range of different ideas and themes so it touches on lament, praise, thanksgiving and prophecy too. The one thing that really stands out is the theme of lament for the rest of the world. All the nations that don’t see God as their God, the one who should be worshipped, the one is the Creator of the universe and everything in it. The one who protects those who love Him and exalt him.
As you read the Psalm it feels as if it was written after a battle and that the author was reflecting on all he saw God do in battle and all that meant for him and the audience he wrote for. And that’s great to read but it also has meaning for us.
We may not be going out to a battlefield to face an enemy carrying swords, spears and shields. But we do live in a world where there is hostility, antipathy or even passive aggression towards God and therefore towards us too. We may be wrestling with an enemy in the form of poor health or struggling with work related problems or financial issues. Whatever enemy we face this Psalm is written to encourage us and to strengthen us for adverse encounters such as these. It teaches us that God has overcome difficulties before and He can and will do it again. I am reminded of that wonderful verse in Revelation 19:10b “For the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy”. Jesus has done it before and He can do it again!
Whatever opposition we face, be it spiritual, physical or emotional, we can stand on the promises of Psalm 9 to carry us through.
- 3 “My enemies turn back; They stumble and perish before you.”
V.9 “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
V.16. “The Lord is known by His justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.”
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Spend a little time today thinking about the things that you or someone close to you are struggling with. Contemplate the struggle in the context of Psalm 9 and then pray.
Lord Jesus, I lift to you (insert name) and ask that you would sovereignly intervene in this struggle. Bless (insert name) with victory over the current conditions or circumstances. Pour out Your healing and restoration and restore (insert name) to full strength once more. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.