Day 32: Our Strong Hiding Place (Bible Tribe Psalms 9–10) - Denise Pass

Welcome to February! The cold weather makes many of us want to hide away, though we are also suffering from cabin fever, I daresay. But there is a hiding place in Christ for those who seek and find it.

 Bible Reading: Psalms 9-10

Verse of the day: Psalm 9:9, “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”

Word of the day: Stronghold. It is the Hebrew word: מִשְׂגָּב (mis-gawb’).       

This word means: refuge, high place. This term speaks of God being the believer’s high tower.

I remember as a child running to hide during games of hide and seek. The best spots were ones where no one could find you that were actually comfortable to hide in. This is such a picture of the comfort God gives us as we hide in Him as our stronghold.

God Is Our Hiding Place

My Bible says that this song of Thanksgiving sung by David to God in chapter 9 was sung to the tune of “The Death of the Son.” Cheery song title, right? Commentaries differ on what this song title meant, but this Psalm is thanking God for how He dealt with David’s enemies.

We don’t see our need for a stronghold until we have enemies. It is then that we need someone stronger. I remember this as a child on the school yard, but friends, it still happens when we are adults, too. People falsely accuse us or try to tear down our character. This can distract us from God’s mission and cause our thoughts to be absorbed in the battle, or we can run to God in our battles.

David says, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High… 4 For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge. 9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Taking Refuge In God

David points us to God’s faithfulness as a righteous Judge. He sees the oppression we go through. He is a stronghold in times of trouble for us, too. A couple things I notice about how David accessed this stronghold in God.

First, notice that David says the words, “I will” four times in the first two verses. This stronghold is found by choice and by faith. Do we trust God to be our stronghold when life gets bumpy?

Second, look at verse 10, Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” This verse also reminds me of Proverbs 18:10, which says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.”

Application

• Are you seeking refuge in Christ, friend? No other refuge or stronghold can satisfy like God can.
• Choose to run to God like David did.
• Those who know God’s name know that His character is flawless. He will do what He said He will.
• God has a strong hold on you and your circumstances, friend. He will never let you go.

Go with God and His precious word, friends! Join us tomorrow in the book of Job!