A stronghold in times of trouble
Psalms 9:9-10 - “… steep yourself in deep, long thoughts of his nearness and his love”
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalms 9:9-10 NIV
Today’s psalm begins with a note “For the Chief Musician. To the tune of ‘The death of the son.’ A psalm of David”. This was one of the many psalms written by King David, most of which have a similar annotation at the beginning. Now, you might think (as I did) that the Chief Musician was the head of the King’s musicians, or perhaps this note was an instruction to the “worship pastor” who led the people in song. Not so! The Chief Musician refers to God Himself, not a human. David was writing the psalm as a tribute to God to celebrate His goodness and His help to David in conquering his foes.
With that in mind, Psalm 9 begins with praise to God for how He deals with an enemy of the righteous, defending the kingdom against the continued attacks of an enemy and celebrating the victory of good over evil. These two verses praise God for how He treats the oppressed.
God doesn’t just judge the wicked, but He provides support to those who are being oppressed as well. The choice of the word “stronghold” (מִשְׂגָּב, or miśgāḇ) in this translation is appropriate, as that English word is defined as “fortress” and also as “a place that serves as the center of a group, as of militants or of persons holding a controversial viewpoint”. In this case, belief in God was the core around which the people of Israel and Judah rallied against those who would attack them.
God provides that stronghold “in times of trouble”. That English phrase in ancient Hebrew is צָרָה עֵת ( ʿēṯ ṣārâ), and is found in only one other place in the Bible (Psalms 10:1). Rather than just meaning a bad time, it conveys the meaning of cutting off all hope of deliverance. David is emphasizing that the Lord has been his refuge even in the most desperate times.
By stating that “those who know Your name will put their trust in You”, David is showing that God is not just providing His help to one group because He likes them and withholding that help to others because He opposes them. Instead, David points out that God’s people have a relationship with Him (know Your name). They seek Him (who seek You) and have faith in Him (trust in You).
God never forsakes those who seek Him and show faith in Him. We may feel that God has forsaken us when we face trials in our lives, when we know have sinned, and when we feel as if He is ignoring our prayers. That’s when it is important for us to know Your name, God, because that’s when we remember the many times You have come to the aid of us and others.
I’ll conclude today’s devotional with this quote from English evangelist F.B. Meyer:
“Men complain of their little faith: the remedy is in their own hands; let them set themselves to know God.... But for all this, you must make time. You cannot know a friend from hurried interviews, much less God. So you must steep yourself in deep, long thoughts of his nearness and his love.” 1
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father, I thank You that through Christ I know Your name, Your reputation, and Your grace, which You pour out abundantly on all who trust in Jesus as their Savior. I pray that I may seek You with all my heart and mind each day, and that You would create in me a deeper desire to know and love You more. I pray this in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
Scripture quotations taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica US, Inc.®. Used by permission.
Meyer, F.B. "Our Daily Homily: Psalms-Song of Solomon" Volume 3 (Westwood, New Jersey: Revell, 1966)