We are excited to be starting a new series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below.
Read Psalm 9 Listen to Psalm 9
Podcast (cnc-daily-psalms): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:07 — 1.3MB)
This psalm reminds us that there will always be opposition to Christianity and millions of followers of Jesus around the world are experiencing physical persecution today simply because of their beliefs. Some face opposition, tyranny and prejudice from governments at a local or national level. We live in a hostile world. Jesus warned, ‘Don’t think I’ve come to make life cosy’ (Matthew 10:34, MSG).
Here David is being persecuted (v 13), which is so remarkable that he begins with wholehearted praise (v 1-2). How do we this? David gives us two clues:
• He remembers how God has come through for him in the past (v 3-6).
• He reminds himself about God’s nature: “The Lord reigns…judges and governs with justice…is a refuge…a stronghold in times of trouble” (v 7-10).
One day God will bring judgement to the evil in our society and to all the nations that forget him (v 17). God is also loving has given everyone the opportunity to know his love because of Jesus’ death on the cross.
Can we imitate our brothers and sisters in Christ, who whilst under huge duress, continue to praise God and share his love even more? In our tough times can we remember that God is in ultimate control of the universe, “The Lord reigns.”
Lord, thank you that you do not ignore my cries and that I can fully trust in you. I pray now for those Christians experiencing persecutions…