Psalm 9

Key Takeaways

• Praise pushes back against fear, forgetfulness, and injustice.

• God is enthroned forever and is a stronghold for the oppressed.

• Jesus fulfilled and embodied Psalm 9, facing every fear and bringing God's righteous judgment.

• Worship is an act of holy resistance against the darkness in the world.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  John mentioned that praise is a form of protest. How does this perspective change the way you think about worship and praising God?

• Question 2

  Reflect on a time when praising God helped you overcome fear or anxiety. How did it impact your faith?

• Question 3

  The sermon emphasized the importance of singing in worship, especially for men. Why do you think singing is challenging for some people? How can we encourage one another to engage more fully in worship?

• Question 4

  John points out, "If you build your identity around your wounds, whatever they are, you will never heal." Do you agree or disagree? How can we find healing in Christ instead of our pain?

• Question 5

  How does the idea of God bringing the wicked into their own trap (Psalm 9:15-16) impact your understanding of justice?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Praising God in the Face of Fear

READING :

Psalm 9:1-6, Philippians 4:6-7

DEVOTIONAL :

In Psalm 9, David demonstrates how praise can be a powerful weapon against fear. When we feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, our natural response is often anxiety or despair. However, David shows us a different way - he chooses to praise God wholeheartedly, recounting his wonderful deeds. This act of praise isn't about denying reality, but about anchoring our hearts in the unchanging truth of who God is and what he has done. Today, reflect on a time when God has delivered you from a difficult situation. How can you use that memory to fuel your praise, even in the face of current fears? Practice intentional praise today, whether through song, prayer, or simply speaking out loud about God's faithfulness. As you do, notice how your perspective may shift from your circumstances to God's power and love.

Day 2 : Remembering God's Faithfulness

READING :

Psalm 9:7-12, Deuteronomy 8:2-3

DEVOTIONAL :

Our human hearts are prone to forgetfulness, especially when it comes to God's faithfulness. In Psalm 9:7-12, David reminds us of the importance of actively remembering who God is and what he has done. He declares that "the Lord reigns forever" and is "a refuge for the oppressed." This remembrance isn't just for our own comfort, but also as a testimony to others.

Today, take some time to create a personal "faithfulness journal." Write down specific instances of God's faithfulness in your life, both big and small. Include unexpected blessings and times when you felt God's presence in difficulty. Make it a habit to regularly add to this journal and review it, especially during times when you feel distant from God. How might this practice of remembrance strengthen your faith and enable you to encourage others?

Day 3 : Crying Out to God in Injustice

READING :

Psalm 9:13-18, James 5:1-6

DEVOTIONAL :

Injustice is a painful reality in our fallen world, but Psalm 9 reminds us that we serve a God of justice who sees the afflicted and does not forget their cry. David models for us how to bring our experiences of injustice before God, asking for his intervention while trusting in his ultimate authority. Reflect on areas of injustice you see in your own life or in the world around you. How does it make you feel? Bring these situations before God in honest prayer, following David's example. Ask God to give you his perspective on these issues and to show you how you might be part of his work of bringing justice and mercy to your community. Remember, our ultimate hope is not in human systems, but in God's promise to one day make all things right.

Day 4 : The Trap of Self-Reliance

READING :

Psalm 9:15-16, Proverbs 16:18-19

DEVOTIONAL :

Psalm 9:15-16 presents a vivid image of those who reject God falling into their own traps. This serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of self-reliance and the danger of pride. When we try to live independently of God, we often find ourselves ensnared by our own schemes and ambitions. Today, examine your heart for areas where you might be relying on your own strength rather than God's. Are there situations where you've been trying to control outcomes instead of trusting God? Confess these to God and ask him to help you cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on him. Consider practical steps you can take to remind yourself daily of your need for God's guidance and strength.

Day 5 : Hope in God's Ultimate Victory

READING :

Psalm 9:19-20, Revelation 21:1-5

DEVOTIONAL :

Psalm 9 concludes with a powerful reminder that God will ultimately triumph over all evil and injustice. This hope is not based on optimism about human progress, but on the character and promises of God. It's a hope that was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who through his death and resurrection defeated the powers of sin and death. As you reflect on this truth, how does it change your perspective on the challenges and injustices you face? How might this eternal perspective influence your daily choices and priorities? Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for the hope we have in Christ and asking him to help you live in light of his coming kingdom. Consider one specific way you can demonstrate this hope to someone in your life today, whether through an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or sharing the good news of Jesus.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

All: I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2

Confession of Sin

Merciful Father, we confess that fear has silenced our praise, forgetfulness has dulled our gratitude, and injustice has found us slow to trust your reign. Lord Jesus, you faced fear, remembered the Father’s love, and bore the world’s injustice for our salvation. Holy Spirit, forgive us, lift our voices, anchor our hearts, and train us to sing in defiant hope until justice fills the earth. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:10-12

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 13:1-13