Psalm 9, the Lord Reigns Forever

During David’s life, he knew much sorrow. Some from his own sin, and some which he did not deserve.

 

He did not always see God justly punishing his enemies in a hurry. Yet, he knew to praise God and tell of God’s wonder, even as he suffered.

 

For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David.

1: I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;

    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

2: I will be glad and rejoice in you;

    I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

3: My enemies turn back;

    they stumble and perish before you.

4: For you have upheld my right and my cause,

    sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.

5: You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;

    you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.

6: Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies,

    you have uprooted their cities;

    even the memory of them has perished.

7: The Lord reigns forever;

    he has established his throne for judgment.

8: He rules the world in righteousness

    and judges the peoples with equity.

9: The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,

    a stronghold in times of trouble.

10: Those who know your name trust in you,

    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

11: Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion;

    proclaim among the nations what he has done.

12: For he who avenges blood remembers;

    he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.

13: Lord, see how my enemies persecute me!

    Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death,

14: that I may declare your praises

    in the gates of Daughter Zion,

    and there rejoice in your salvation.

15: The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug;

    their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.

16: The Lord is known by his acts of justice;

    the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.

17: The wicked go down to the realm of the dead,

    all the nations that forget God.

18: But God will never forget the needy;

    the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

19: Arise, Lord, do not let mortals triumph;

    let the nations be judged in your presence.

20: Strike them with terror, Lord;

    let the nations know they are only mortal.

 

Father God, we see so much sorrow and trouble around us. Sometimes in our own lives. Prod us always to seek you. Hold us close, Lord, and remind us of your constant care for us.