Praying Psalm 9

Psalm 9 deals with an issue of the success of the evil in this world. I know I often consider why the "bad guys" always seem to win. Personally, I am dealing with this exact issue in my life. Why do those who do wrong get away with it by blaming others. This psalm gives me comfort that God's righteousness will ultimately prevail. David explains that despite all the dazzle of their temporary successes, the evil will fade into oblivion while only the Godly endure. Verses 5-6 state: "You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever. The enemy has come to an end in perpetual ruins, And You have uprooted the cities; The very memory of them has perished." God has promised to bring judgment to the wicked. For now, that should bring comfort. A further inquiry of these verses paints a frightening picture.


The Treasury of David portrays most graphically David's meaning: God rebukes before he destroys, but when he once comes to blows with the wicked he ceases not until he has dashed them in pieces so small that their very name is forgotten, and like a noisome snuff their remembrance is put out for ever and ever. How often the word "thou" occurs in this and the former verse, to show us that the grateful strain mounts up directly to the Lord as doth the smoke from the altar when the air is still. My soul send up all the music of all thy powers to him who has been and is thy sure deliverance. Verse 6 sets forth a striking image: Here the Psalmist exults over the fallen foe. He bends as it were, over his prostrate form, and insults his once vaunted strength. He plucks the boaster's song out of his mouth, and sings it for him in derision. After this fashion doth our Glorious Redeemer ask of death, "Where is thy sting?" and of the grave, "Where is thy victory?" The spoiler is spoiled, and he who made captive is led into captivity himself. Let the daughters of Jerusalem go forth to meet their King, and praise him with timbrel and harp.

We that belong to God have much to be thankful for. We never want to receive God's wrath, just His compassion and mercy. Pray the following today:
I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. When my enemies turn back, They stumble and perish before You. For You have maintained my just cause; You have sat on the throne judging righteously. You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever.