Tuesday, June 29, 2010

BOLD Outreach Reflections from Psalm 9

Subtitle: A Mighty Fortress is Our God

David wrote, “I will give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart. I will tell about all the miracles you have done. I will find joy and be glad about you. I will make music to praise your name, O Most High. … The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust you, O Lord, because you have never deserted those who seek your help. … You take me away from the gates of death so that I may recite your praises one by one in the gates of Zion and find joy in your salvation.” (Psalm 9:1-2, 9-10, 13-14, God’s Word, Copyright 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society, http://www.godsword.org/).

When trouble forces us to turn our thoughts inward and re-evaluate our position and purpose in life, we would be in a pretty sorrowful state if we didn’t have a place to go to find peace and rest. At times we all need a stronghold, a bunker that is safe, or a fortress that can withstand the attacks of our enemies in the world.

The loss of our self-esteem, depression, despair, the loss of income, the death of a loved one, or a constant reminder in the daily news of Satan’s presence in our world, could lead us to doubt the presence of God.

God is aware of this and so He gave us this message through His servant David to give us a reason to have hope. David’s suffering and times of trial were turned into times of prayerful music and reflection on all of the blessings God had given to him.

Our sorrow may also be turned to joy as we remember all the ways God has been our resting place in the midst of our earthly battles. Like a well-built bunker, God has provided shelter and protection while wars are being raged all around us.

A Question For Reflection
When troubles come, do we whine and complain about our circumstances, or do we praise God for all of the blessings He has given to us?

David states that he has been saved from death – “so that [he might] recite [God’s] praises ONE BY ONE… and find joy in [God’s] salvation.” (Psalm 9:14, God’s Word, Copyright 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society, http://www.godsword.org/).


Recently people of Wadena, Minnesota gathered in the church sanctuary to give thanks to God following the trauma and destruction of a storm that damaged many of their homes. They were assured that the TRUE sanctuary is found in Jesus Christ. They, like David, had been saved from death to declare the praises of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Did you catch the outreach promise in this verse? We are saved from death to declare the praises of God and will find joy in His salvation.