Psalm 9(GNT)
God’s Word of Justice
Introduction
Psalm 9: This psalm speaks of God’s righteousness and justice and the ways in which God cares for those who are poor and needy. The psalm concludes with a petition for God to pronounce judgment on the wicked.
Today's Scripture: Psalm 9:10
Those who know you, LORD, will trust you; you do not abandon anyone who comes to you.
Today's Reading
Thanksgiving to God for His Justice
1I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done.
2I will sing with joy because of you.
I will sing praise to you, Almighty God.
3My enemies turn back when you appear;
they fall down and die.
4You are fair and honest in your judgments,
and you have judged in my favor.
5You have condemned the heathen
and destroyed the wicked;
they will be remembered no more.
6Our enemies are finished forever;
you have destroyed their cities,
and they are completely forgotten.
7But the Lord is king forever;
he has set up his throne for judgment.
8He rules the world with righteousness;
he judges the nations with justice.
9The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a place of safety in times of trouble.
10Those who know you, Lord, will trust you;
you do not abandon anyone who comes to you.
11Sing praise to the Lord, who rules in Zion!
Tell every nation what he has done!
12God remembers those who suffer;
he does not forget their cry,
and he punishes those who wrong them.
13 Be merciful to me, O Lord!
See the sufferings my enemies cause me!
Rescue me from death, O Lord,
14that I may stand before the people of Jerusalem
and tell them all the things for which I praise you.
I will rejoice because you saved me.
15The heathen have dug a pit and fallen in;
they have been caught in their own trap.
16The Lord has revealed himself by his righteous judgments,
and the wicked are trapped by their own deeds.
17Death is the destiny of all the wicked,
of all those who reject God.
18The needy will not always be neglected;
the hope of the poor will not be crushed forever.
19Come, Lord! Do not let anyone defy you!
Bring the heathen before you
and pronounce judgment on them.
20Make them afraid, O Lord;
make them know that they are only mortal beings.
Reflect
Today’s reading begins with an expression of praise. For what does the psalm writer praise God? What does the psalm writer ask of God? For what will you praise God today? What will you ask of God?
Pray
Lord God, you rule the world with righteousness and judge the nations with justice. Open my heart and eyes to the needs of others, and keep me ever mindful that only your justice will bring healing and wholeness for myself and for all people. Amen.
Prayer Concern
Those experiencing economic injustice
Tomorrow's Reading
Psalm 10: A prayer for justice.