How will we handle troubled times? The inspired psalmist, King David, writes, "But the Lord shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness. 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" (Psa. 9:7-10, NKJV).
 
In the midst of a seemingly unending pandemic, ongoing political turmoil and strife, and an increasing level of uncertainty regarding the future, it is important to understand that God's people have a refuge in times of trouble. As the psalm points out, the Lord Himself serves as the place of shelter and protection for His people (v. 9).
 
Please consider the ways in which the ninth psalm highlights the fact that the Lord is a refuge for His people in times of trouble.
 
1. The Lord will endure. In contrast to the wicked, who are eventually punished and destroyed, David writes, "But the Lord shall endure forever" (Psa. 9:7). Unlike an elected official who may be in power for a few years, or even an earthly king who may reign for the duration of his lifetime, the Lord endures forever. He retains His position of ultimate authority and never turns it over to another. "Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; And let them say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns'" (1 Chron. 16:31). He can never be voted out of office or lose His position of authority and control. The Lord is a refuge in times of trouble because He endures forever.
 
2. The Lord will judge. David writes, "But the Lord shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness" (Psa. 9:7-8). From an earthly perspective, it may seem as though the wicked are simply getting away with their wicked schemes and will never be held accountable for their actions. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The Lord will judge the world and "will render to each one according to his deeds" (Rom. 2:6). The apostle Paul writes, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10). The Lord is a refuge in times of trouble because He will judge the world.
 
3. The Lord will save. David, writes, "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" (Psa. 9:7-10). The Lord has the ability to provide salvation and deliverance for those who put their trust in Him. He has provided forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life in His Son, Jesus Christ (cf. Eph. 1:7; Acts 2:38; 1 Jn. 5:11). While He has not promised to keep us from every trial and difficulty this world may bring, He has issued this promise: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12). The Lord is a refuge in times of trouble because He is able to save His people.
 
Conclusion
 
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30). The Lord never promised to remove all of this world's troubles, but He does offer rest and refuge to all those who come to Him. Is the Lord your refuge in times of trouble?

​

David Dann