"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."
Psalm 9:9
“The LORD”
Once more David puts his focus on the Lord Jehovah as the champion of the child of God in need. This is a regular theme with him because he knew how much he needed God’s help so often. Jehovah is the eternal, and very personal name for God. Whether it is the Children of Israel in the Old Testament or the believers in the New Testament, He has a personal relationship with each child of His. This LORD who is interested in every one of His children is where David is pointing his thoughts in this verse.
“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee,” (Psalm 9:10).
“Also will be a refuge for the oppressed,”
A refuge is a safe place from all harm. For the sea captain, it’s the safe harbor in a storm. For a soldier, it’s the bunker that the enemy cannot reach. In the Bible, a “refuge” is typically a high and solid place as in the cleft of a rock. A place that can be run to and once there the one fleeing is safe from all alarm.
“But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge,” (Psalm 94:22).
God is “a refuge for the oppressed.” The oppressed – “literally, for those who are crushed, broken; hence, the dejected, afflicted, unhappy -…- to beat small; to break in pieces; to crush,” (Barnes).
Believer, have you been here before? Do you understand what David is alluding to by your personal experience? If so, then this is good news for you!
“A refuge in times of trouble.”
If ever you are in trouble, He is your hiding place! Run to Him! Do not try to handle your problems on your own, only to fail again. Take your needs to Him and let Him work on it.
Though Troubles Assail 1
By John Newton
1. Though troubles assail,
And dangers affright;
Though friends should all fail,
And foes all unite,
Yet one thing secures us,
Whatever betide:
The Scripture assures us,
“The Lord will provide.”
2. The birds, without barn
Or storehouse, are fed;
From them let us learn
To trust for our bread;
His saints what is fitting
Shall ne’er be denied,
So long as ’tis written,
“The Lord will provide.”
3. His call we obey,
Like Abram of old,
Not knowing our way,
But faith makes us bold;
For though we are strangers,
We have a good Guide;
And trust in all dangers:
“The Lord will provide.”
4. When Satan appears
To stop up our path,
And fills us with fears,
We triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us,
Though oft he has tried,
The heart-cheering promise,
“The Lord will provide.”
5. He tells us we’re weak,
Our hope is in vain;
The good that we seek
We ne’er shall obtain;
But when such suggestions
Our faith thus have tried,
This answers all questions,
“The Lord will provide.”
6. No strength of our own,
Nor goodness we claim;
Our trust is all thrown
On Jesus’ dear name.
In this our strong tower
For safety we hide;
The Lord is our power,
“The Lord will provide.”
7. When life sinks apace,
And death is in view,
The word of His grace
Shall comfort us through;
Not fearing or doubting,
With Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting,
“The Lord will provide.”
1. “Though Trouble Assails,” Lyrics: John Newton (1725-1807). Music: William Croft (1678-1727). Copyright status: Public Domain.