The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted,
a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you
because you have not abandoned
those who seek you, Lord.Psalm 9
Read Psalm 9 in its entirety.
David’s Plight While Writing the Psalm
This psalm was written by David, the most well-known king of Israel, of whom God said was a man after His own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14) Most agree that David was reminiscing through this psalm about facing Goliath when he was younger. David encountered many trials in his life, so it’s reasonable to think he may have been preparing to face another “giant” in his life. David’s psalms often follow a pattern of encouraging his soul by reminding himself of all God has formerly done. (Psalm 103)
The Story of David and Goliath
Perhaps it has been a while since you read David’s victory over Goliath, recorded in 1 Samuel 17. The shepherd boy David was the youngest of eight boys. His three oldest brothers were off fighting in King Saul’s army against the Philistines. Their father sent David with food for his boys at war, but when David arrived on the battlefield, everything was at a standstill. The Philistines boasted an enormous giant who stood over nine feet tall. Goliath challenged the army of Israel to fight an Israelite one-on-one. Not surprisingly, no one stepped forward; everyone was terrified of Goliath. That is, until David showed up with his faith.
David told King Saul he would fight the giant alone. Initially, King Saul was reluctant, but when David insisted, based on the Lord’s victory with him in slaying lions and bears, sure that this Philistine would be like them, Saul agreed.
David Fights With the Sword of the Lord
David refused Saul’s armor, choosing instead to battle Goliath with a slingshot, five smooth stones, and his Victorious God. Goliath mocked David, but David placed one stone in his slingshot and slung it right at the giant. The stone sunk into Goliath’s forehead, killing him instantly. David stood over the giant and, using Goliath’s own sword, cut off his head. David stood in the Lord’s Victory!
The Purpose of Praise and Worship
God inhabits the praises of His people; that’s my translation of Psalm 22:3, and I use these words of truth to remind my soul of the importance of worship. I can think of no better place for my soul than praising our God. Whether you are worried, fearful, or carrying anxiety, grief, sorrow, joy, or excited delight, nothing compares to spending time in the courts of the Lord to give Him praise!
The author of Psalm 100 pairs praise with God’s character in verses 4-5,
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise.Give thanks to Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good,
and His faithful love endures forever; His faithfulness, through all generations.”
Another psalmist sings in Psalm 84:10,
“Better a day in your courts
than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than live in the tents of wicked people.”
I have often found that in my melancholy, if I sing His praises, I am soon no longer gloomy but joyful. God has done much for me, and I cannot help but praise Him. Worship draws me near to God and lifts my spirits high.
When I consider how God has carried me through my pain, suffering, and loss of all kinds, I am humbled before Him, and I praise His Name. As promised in James 4:10, He lifts me up as I come near so I am positioned to be blessed by Him. Humility before God acts as an elevator for our souls.
The above piece is an excerpt from my writings at Gracefully Truthful. It was written and submitted before the loss of my dear husband, Michael, on December 19, 2024. These words still remain true for me. Please go to Gracefully Truthful for the entire Bible Study and my Four Keys to Worship in the Midst of Trials.
Pastor’s Wife (retired) & Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.
Amen, so very true, Mandy. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us, in the midst of such hard trials. Your words remind me of an Imperials song from the 80s&90s that always stirred my soul:
Praise the Lord, He can work through those who praise Him; Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise; Praise the Lord, for the chains that seem to bind you, serve only to remind you, they drop powerless behind you, when you praise Him.