The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. ¹⁰And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. –Psalm 9:9-10
In the course of just one day with my children I can experience a range of dynamics in our relationship. As I learn how to lead, shepherd, teach, correct, comfort, and enjoy my children, I have also learned more about my relationship with my heavenly Father—and how He views me.
These verses remind me of some of my sweetest and fondest moments as a father—those times when my children are anxious and scared. Their immediate response is to come hide under my arms, or crawl into my lap and bury themselves in my chest. They see me as a stronghold and place of safety when life around them feels scary, unkind, and unknown. Because they know me—my character, and my unending love for them—they come to me without hesitation for protection and help, knowing they will never be turned away. I treasure those opportunities to hold them close and I pray this helps them to better understand the love and comfort their heavenly Father has for them—a love and security that infinitely exceeds mine.
Psalm 9 provides helpful reminders about the comfort and security our Father provides to those who seek Him. When David wrote them, the surrounding enemy nations were hurling attacks and unjustly oppressing Israel. In response to the evil and grief facing Israel, King David declared the providence, protection, and promises of God. David knew from experience that God, the righteous judge, would ensure that those who call upon Him would be vindicated and saved.
I imagine the Israelites faced the same temptation we face. When encountering hardships and attacks we are tempted to despair and forget the unchanging truth that God is sovereignly working in this broken world. His promises, and His ability to keep those promises, are unhindered by the woes of our world. But how quickly we forget this truth when we are hurting and afflicted. Anxiety and worry can often be our default response rather than remembering the Lord's faithfulness and running straight to Him for help.
We often lose sight of the fact that our affliction is momentary and is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory that exceeds anything we’ve ever known (2 Corinthians 4:17). The Lord has not forsaken us, even when the days are dark and His voice seems quiet. When we are troubled and suffering, we also know the temptation to turn to other lesser means of comfort and security. Rather than running to the only One who is perfectly righteous, true, and trustworthy, our wandering and fearful hearts often look to find security and hope in our own efforts or the empty pleasures of the world. We need to be reminded that He is near and He is the only stronghold that can save and satisfy our weary souls.
Believer, as you walk through life facing the evils and brokenness of this world, may your heart remember to cry out to God, confident in His name, His character, and His goodness. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Just as David's hope and confidence in God was grounded in his experience of God's faithfulness, we know with certainty that the Lord continues to be faithful to us and will never forsake us. Christ was forsaken on our behalf as He bore our sins on the cross, so that we who trust in Him for forgiveness and salvation will never be forsaken.
For Reflection
In what areas are you feeling oppressed and troubled? Where are you finding your comfort and hope during these times?
Ask the Lord to turn your heart and mind toward Him. Run to Him first and be reminded of His character and promises.
Thank the Lord that He is near and will never forsake His children (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Daniel Bond resides in the Cleveland, Ohio area with his wife Jenny and their two children, Asher and Gracie. He is a graduate of Denver Seminary and LeTourneau University. Since 2005, he has served in vocational ministry and is now the principal at a classical Christian school. Scripture memory has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember and he is committed to passing that on to his own children, as well as the students in his school.