Our youth group just started reading through the Psalms. One Psalm a day for 150 days. It’s almost like a special diet or work-out regimen, but of course we hope it will last longer than just 150 days. Bobby is passionate about the Psalms and always says, “If you want to know God, read the Psalms.”

He made a pamphlet to guide our high school ministry through reading a Psalm each day from January 1st through May 29th. Not only are we reading through it together, but Bobby has a section up at their site, Godsongmusic.com, called “Psalm of the Day” where our students, leaders and anyone actually…can discuss the Psalm for that day. People ask questions, comment on a favorite verse or a specific point that struck them.

Today’s Psalm is chapter 9–David’s thankful prayer for God’s righteous judgments.

I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. (v. 1-2)

David says “I will” four times and this portrays his dedication and excitement to worship God. I definitely want to have more exuberance as I respond to who God is and what He has done. So often we can just be passive responders to God, reading about Him, hearing about Him in praise songs. But none of this is worth anything unless we declare in our hearts to exalt Him. It doesn’t seem like many people are into making New Year’s resolutions anymore…but we can probably all think of something that we need to say “I will” to the Lord.

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name
will put their trust in You;
For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. (v. 9-10)

Most of this Psalm is about destruction and judgment and David praising God for rebuking his enemies. And it is true. God executes judgment on the wicked. In these two verses David shows us how God responds to His children. He is our refuge or NIV says “stronghold.” I looked up the words “refuge” and “stronghold” in the dictionary.

“Refuge” — “shelter or protection from danger or distress”

“Stronghold” — “a place of security or survival”

What a great picture of our God being all-powerful and protecting all who belong to Him! When we put our trust in Him He never forsakes us. That is so encouraging and a good challenge to never trust in myself or try to work things out on my own. God is worthy of all my dependence and full trust.

The Lord is known by the judgment He executes;
The wicked is ensnared in the work of his own hands.

Arise, O Lord,
Do not let man prevail;
Let the nations be judged in Your sight.
Put them in fear, O Lord,
That the nations may know themselves to be but men. (v. 16, 19-20)

This part of the Psalm is so interesting to me because most people when asked about God I would think would describe Him as “love” not as Judge. Reflecting on this is a big reminder that God is so completely holy. There is no flaw or faintest taint in Him. That is why He has to judge man. Being known by His judgment might make us think, “Oh, that’s a tough one” as if God’s judgment is one of His lesser qualities. As if God’s power, mercy or love were better attributes somehow. He must judge because He is perfectly holy and we are sinful.

Reading through Psalms really helps me know God better. It gives me a fuller more complete picture of His character. Maybe you would even consider reading through the Psalms with us! You can contribute to the discussion and read the Psalm-of-the-Day with us by simply clicking on the link or visiting Godsongmusic.