April 19, 2023 — Psalm 9

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. When my enemies turned back, they stumbled and perished before you. For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne giving righteous judgment. You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name forever and ever. The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins; their cities you have rooted out; the very memory of them has perished. But the Lord sits enthroned forever, he has established his throne for judgment. He judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion. Declare his deeds among the peoples. For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.” Psalm 9:1-12

“Psalm 9 is also a prophecy of the people of Christ, the Holy Christian Church. They suffer, following the example of Christ, and their blood is continually being shed. However, the psalm gives this prophecy thankfully and comfortingly, so that it might well be called a psalm of thanks and comfort. The Christians (and especially the holy martyrs) here thank God and are comforted by the fact that God never leaves them.” (Martin Luther, Reading the Psalms with Luther)

The context of the Psalm is battle — a battle between G-d and the enemies of G-d. The question is, who are the enemies of G-d? This may seem like a ridiculous question, yet it needs to be raised. Are the enemies of G-d only people? Or can suffering and disease be enemies of G-d? Can pride and success be enemies of G-d? I would say yes to all. Those who are suffering certainly can find that their focus tends to shrink away from G-d and to simply trying to survive. The same thing can happen when we find ourselves wallowing in our successes — pride and despair can both be the enemies of G-d.

When you are suffering, when you are despairing, and even when life is going so well, way beyond your expectations, you should begin every day in prayer focusing on G-d’s character more than looking for a particular answer. Once you determine and are secure in your relationship with G-d, then perhaps you will find answers to hard questions with G-d’s blessings — answers that may give you clearer eyes and mind.

Always turn to G-d in the midst of your struggles — always turn to G-d to give thanks for your blessings. Offering up prayer, praise and thanksgiving to G-d does not mean we will never suffer — nor does it guarantee your life will always be free of suffering and struggles. This should not stop our desire to praise the G-d whose character never changes.

Prayer: With all our hearts we give thanks to You, O Lord, because at all times You dwell with Your Christians and graciously preserve those in the true faith who confess Your name. Dwell in us, O Lord, with Your grace. Increase Your Church daily, and grant us to be and to remain, true members of the same to our final end. Amen.

Pastor Dave