Those Who Seek the LORD (Psalm 9 - Part 1)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Genesis 20:1-22:24 ~ Matthew 7:15-29 ~ Psalm 9:1-12 ~ Proverbs 2:16-22

Psalm 9 and Psalm 10 are closely related to one another. In fact, in the Greek translation of the Old testament, the Septuagint, they are combined into one. However, there are significant thematic differences present that warrant their division into two separate songs. Psalm 9 is primarily a psalm of praise for the works and deeds of God, unlike Psalm 10 which is mostly a lament. Today we will focus on the first 12 verses of Psalm 9.

1 I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonders.

2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.

10 Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

11 Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion;
proclaim among the nations what he has done.

Psalm 9:1-2, 9-11 (NIV)

I love the statement, "Those who know your name will trust in you" from verse 10. It is such a great reminder that our God can be trusted. He truly is "a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble" (verse 9). And, we can be sure that He will never turn His back on us. He does not abandon those who seek Him.

In speaking about God's work in all of creation, Paul preached to the Athenians that ,"God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." (Acts 17:27) I am greatly comforted in knowing that God is ever-present (also see Psalm 46:1).

Today, as an act of worship, reach out to the Lord. Look for Him. Seek Him as a starving man hunts for food, or as a thirsty man searches for water. Remember His promise, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."(Jeremiah 29:13)