“But the Lord sits as King forever;
He has established His throne for judgment,
And He will judge the world in righteousness;
He will execute judgment for the peoples fairly.
The Lord will also be a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble;
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, Lord, have not abandoned those who seek You.”
My circumstances and thought processes were very heavy, so it was deeply encouraging that many months ago, my son carefully selected several Bible verses for me. He typed each one with care and secured the hope-filled paper in my bathroom (the above verses included). I am thankful each time my eyes lay hold of those life-giving words because my soul is ministered with their precious truths. My son’s diligence and concern for me was timely and beautiful because I desperately needed to be reminded of God’s goodness – even in the bathroom. (Parents to young little souls- your babies will soon be grown. The long days and short years will eventually bear fruit. Stay the good course in raising them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I honestly don’t remember thinking that one day they would be providing me with encouragement. Perhaps that might sound silly. But it didn’t cross my mind until they were in their teens – and it was happening!)
I’ve acquired several helpful learning tools over the years of classical teaching. I’d like to use the five core habits when looking at Psalms 9:7-10. These tools can be applied in any area of our lives. They have taught me how to more easily approach any new subject. I’d like to use these to walk through Psalms 9:7-10.
#1 Naming
He is King.
His throne is established.
He will judge.
He will execute fair judgment.
He is a stronghold.
He will not abandon those who seek Him.
#2 Attending
These verses declare that God reigns forever and executes justice for the oppressed. The habit of attending to these truths involves regularly reflecting on God’s constant rule over all circumstances, especially during times of injustice or oppression. Make it a daily habit to center your thoughts on God’s sovereign justice, knowing that He will establish righteousness and bring judgment to the earth.
#3 Memorizing
God’s righteous judgment is highlighted along with His rule over the nations. Memorizing these promises – particularly verse 7, “But the Lord sits as King forever; He has established His throne for judgment,” – helps to internalize the assurance that God is just and will protect His people. Memorization of these verses strengthens your faith in God’s ultimate justice and provision.
#4 Expressing
God is a “refuge for the oppressed.” The habit of expressing involves actively verbalizing your trust in God as your protector and refuge. This can be done through prayer, worship, or sharing with others. Regularly express your confidence in God’s care, especially when facing challenges or when you see others in need of His protection.
#5 Storytelling
“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not abandoned those who seek You.” The habit of storytelling involves sharing how God has been a refuge or has brought justice in your life or the lives of others. Tell these stories to encourage others to trust in God’s justice and His ability to provide refuge. Your stories be shared in conversations, small groups, or through personal testimonies.
When we meditate on God’s word – how uplifting are His truths! Especially when we are in the midst of circumstances that beckon our heads heavenward! Without fail, troublesome circumstances drive me to the cross, whether those circumstances are personally generated or brought on by others. Once I seek the Lord, He comforts me. This doesn’t mean that all of my prayers are answered in the way I want them to be. However, I know He is my Stronghold and Comforter and that is wonderful solace. Like the Good Father He is, he has never left me or forsaken me. And though I do not enjoy going through trials, having much preferred them to bypass me, He has allowed these in order for my faith to be strengthened and His name to be praised.
Friend, no matter what comes your way, please remember God is a Stronghold for His people! In times of trouble, in times of human frailty, in times of crushing defeat, in death, in loss, when the wicked seem to prosper, He will not abandon His children. Nothing can dethrone our God. And nothing can remove His steadfast love.
If you need a constant reminder, perhaps you have some free real estate on your bathroom cabinet.
