Psalm 9

“But the LORD reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.” (Psalm 9:7–8, NLT)

This is a psalm for those who watch the evening news! When times are tough, when disasters loom on the horizon, when circumstances stir up sorrow, anger or fear, we must remind ourselves that God is sovereign. He is on His eternal throne. He will righteously judge the world in His Day. He will punish the wicked and reward the righteous. Christ will return to rule the nations with a rod of iron.

David discovered that when times were bad and his enemies threatened him, he could choose to worship the LORD. Some people vent their frustration. Others throw things or hit walls. But David sat down and wrote a psalm of praise. This turned his anger, fear and worry into joy and peace.

I am not a songwriter like David, but I have found that if I sing a worship song or meditate on God’s glorious attributes, it transforms my attitude. It opens wide the door for His peace and joy to flood my soul. When we hear bad news, we take it to heart. We are easily deceived into thinking it is our problem to solve. There are those times when God would call us to do something. But so often there is nothing we can do but trust the LORD and pray for Him to have His way in the situation. If there is something for us to do, then He will give us the grace and wisdom to do it in the right time. Do you believe this?

“The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you.” (Psalm 9:9–10, NLT)

I love how often David took refuge in the LORD. God was his shelter and strong tower. The LORD was his hiding place from the violent storm. When the enemy threatened or discouraged him, then David strengthened himself in the LORD. By focusing on the eternal he was able to effectively deal with the temporal. David’s worship made him a better warrior.

“But the needy will not be ignored forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.” (Psalm 9:18, NLT)

When you see the wicked prosper. When the poor and innocent ones are oppressed and abused, then remind yourself that God has not forgotten. He is not slack or negligent. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). But soon and very soon the Lord will come to execute righteous judgment.

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5, NIV84)

Come, Lord Jesus, come!