(Please note that all scriptures are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)
Psalm 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
These scriptures tell us that God, or the LORD- YHWH- the God who created Heaven and earth, is our help in times of trouble, or distress.
The word “refuge” means- a shelter from storm or danger.
The word oppressed in Psalm 9:9 is an adjective, which is a word that describes something. In this scripture, “the oppressed” refers to those who are persecuted by the devil and his army of demons because they are serving God.
Psalm 9:10 tells us that God hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
“Forsake” means- to abandon, to desert, to leave behind.
Please note that this scripture shows us that God will NOT forsake those who seek Him- or look for Him. He will NOT force you to serve Him, you must seek after Him; but He will be there for you when you are going through a battle. He will be your safe place, or protection, when you are in danger.
God can be both our mental and physical refuge.
Turn to Him when you are sad, lonely, or depressed- like David did when he had NO ONE to comfort him. (Please note underlined verse.)
1 Samuel 30:3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.
1 Samuel 30:4 Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.
1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
When ALL of his friends deserted him, and wanted to kill him, David turned to the LORD- YHWH- as his source of encouragement.
It is a shame that people today forget what these scriptures tell us about where our help REALLY comes from. We depend on psychiatrists and anti-depressants to help us feel happy when we are sad; on our paychecks to pay our bills; and on guns and the police department to protect us from danger. How sad! We should look to the LORD first- above all else! No matter WHAT we are facing- God can help us to get through it.
(More on God’s divine protection in the next study.)
Please look to HIM as your source- of peace, comfort, joy and protection!