Today marks our second day studying the Book of Psalms, where we dive into our daily devotional on Psalms 9-16. These passages carry profound lessons for guiding our lives, particularly addressing the question: Are godly foundations being destroyed in your nation or your life, or are you striving to preserve them? As we reflect on these Psalms, starting with the words, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds” (Ps. 9:1), we are reminded of the fragility of righteousness in a world where wickedness often prevails. Through these verses, we’ll see the importance of relying on God’s truth in times of testing and the assurance that, despite challenges, He is always near. Let’s explore the themes of trust, perseverance, and the critical role of godly foundations as we reflect on these Psalms. Read the daily devotional on Psalms 1-8 to see why David was troubled.
Psalms 9-16 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Today, we are in our second day of the Book of Psalms. We will go through Psalms 9-16. These psalms are filled with important concepts for living our lives. We focus on one today, are godly foundations being destroyed in your nation, or in your life? Or are you preserving your godly foundation? “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds” (Ps. 9:1). Please read or listen to Psalms 9-16.
What Are the Psalms of Strong Foundation?
Let’s summarize Psalms 9-16 with my journal in 2007 (NASB), “‘give thanks to the Lord’ (Ps. 9:1). ‘Let the nations know that they are but men’ (Ps. 9:20). The wicked exist and pursue the righteous. We must resist, referring to Psalm 10.” And Psalm 11:3, “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
I wrote in my journal, “And in America, the foundations are being attacked. God is being removed from public discourse little by little. It’s becoming harder and harder for the righteous to succeed in anything.” I quoted Psalm 11:5, “The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked”. I went on to Psalm 13, “At times we think God abandons us. We can’t find Him. Persevere. God is always there.” Next, I had a few thoughts about good. I wrote, “Good? Am I a good person? Good?” I looked at Psalm 14:1-3 and wrote, “Not good enough.”
What Is the Meaning of Psalm 14:1-3?
Let’s park here for a moment. Many in our world think they are good enough to go to heaven. What does God’s Word say? Let’s go back to Psalm 14:1-3:
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
there is none who does good.
The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,
to see if there are any who understand,
who seek after God.
They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one.
I hope you are not depending on your “goodness” to get into heaven.
I finished my summary of these psalms by quoting Psalm 16:7-9:
I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices.
And Psalm 16:11, “You will make known to me the path of life”.
There are some great encouraging words in Psalms 9-16. Again, if this is a little too much in one day, then go back and read these psalms again, or join Club 365 . . .Deeper Daily Devotions, so you can have access to this Day by Day devotion and ADDBIBLE, to read or listen again at your own pace. Visit ezraproject.net, or the ADDBIBLE app, to join Club 365.
Our focus from these eight psalms is from Psalms 9 and 11. Psalm 9:15-16 say, “The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught. The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.” Psalm 9:20 says, “Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men!” Psalm 11:3 declares, “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
What Is the Meaning of Psalm 9?
Those verses relate directly to nations who lose their way; they stop following God and His Word and become their own moral compass. History is fraught with examples. When godly foundations are destroyed, nations sink into the pit they have made, God executes judgment and reminds us we are but mere men.
What Does God Say About the Nation?
Is your nation following godly, biblical principles or the ways of men? Is God executing judgment? I write this during the 2020 coronavirus global pandemic. Is it a judgment from God, an attack from Satan, or a misguided world event orchestrated from the hands of mere men? As of this writing, no one knows, but we will.
The warning from these passages is clear. When man destroys godly foundations, nations will sink to the pit, be snared in nets made by their own hands, be reminded by God we are mere men, and suffer His judgment. As Christians, these passages remind us to pray for our nations and our leaders, and participate, as God leads, in our political systems.
Prayer
We close in prayer with verses from these eight psalms. Pray these with me:
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds (Ps. 9:1).
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you (Ps. 9:10).
The words of the Lord are pure words (Ps. 12:6).
O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
He who walks blamelessly and does what is right
and speaks truth in his heart (Ps. 15:1-2).
He who does these things shall never be moved (Ps. 15:5).
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Ps. 16:11).
We give You thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
