Psalm 9

July 27, 2015 Monday Message:

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart, and tell about the wonders you have worked” Psalm 9:1 CEV

Psalm 9 is an example of a good way to pray. David begins by praising the Lord and acknowledging His majesty, BEFORE any personal petitions. God is always on the throne of the world, but we, His creations, need to recognize that the Lord is in charge, and understand the divine nature all that He created. THEN we can move on to other matters.

We all have problems, things to discuss with God. David leads a country, Israel. His rise to power wasn’t trouble-free. In fact, the previous king, Saul, plotted several times to take David’s life. Once in power, leaders seem to rise and fall in public opinion polls, and David was no exception. And other nations always seemed to be at war with Israel. The problems David brought before the Lord were both real and voluminous.

Just like David, we all have difficulties in life. Our problems seem different from his, but the principles are the same. Unfortunately, people still gossip, still plot against us, lie about us, and some days we can feel the whole world is against us. We can and should bring ALL our problems before the Lord. But don’t forget, we should also remember to thank God for all the good things in our lives.

If we are with God, he will be with us. Just as the shepherd knows his sheep, so should we listen for the Shepherd’s voice. Prayer should be a 2-way conversation.

Norton Lawellin

Come worship with us! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, July 19, we’ll learn about Paul’s trials as we conclude Acts 23. See you at church!