Your loyal followers trust in you, for you, Lᴏʀᴅ, do not abandon those who seek your help.
Into the Text
In seasons of pain and sorrow, the last thing we may want to do is praise God. But praise is an essential practice in our faith. When we lift praises to God, we declare His majesty, both to ourselves and to Him. Praise is a reminder to us about who God is, as much as it is an act of worship. When we are convinced of God’s love for us, we can see our pain in a new light.
Psalm 9 is another psalm of praise. This psalm was also written by David. We know that David was in many battles with his enemies. However, God always delivered him.
There are many elements included in Psalm 9: a proclamation of thanks and praise, recalling God’s destruction of His enemies, a declaration of God’s character, a call to the assembly for praise, a promise of continued praise, another declaration of God’s justice on the wicked, and a request for God to judge the nations.
By declaring God’s faithfulness in the past, David could trust God’s faithfulness in the future. Praise is meant to be shared. Here, David encouraged the assembly to “sing praises to the Lᴏʀᴅ” and to “tell the nations what he has done” (v. 11). David called the people to remember all God had done for them and to tell the nations of His works.
David’s praise also includes a request. After praising God for destroying his enemies, David again asks God to judge the wicked. Requests are part of praise. When we ask God to meet our needs, we declare that He is able and willing to do so. He is honored by our praise and our requests, as both affirm our faith in Him.
Prayer
God, I thank you for your holy, steadfast character. You have provided for me countless times in the past, and I know that you will do it again this time. Amen.