The Faithful Stronghold

“The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!” (Psalm 9:9–11, ESV)

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Heavenly Father, the longer I live, the more I recognize my own weakness and inability. I’ve encountered many situations in which I have no control and can’t change. Trouble comes upon me suddenly; Injustice happens to me; and I can do nothing about it. I can’t fix it. I can’t change it. I’m weak. 

Yet, Father, you are not weak. You are a stronghold for me when I’m oppressed. You are a stronghold for me in times of trouble. You are my shelter in a storm—a fortress in the earthquake. When I recognize my own weakness and inability, you are the place I can run for shelter and protection. Father, I find rest and peace and comfort in you—my stronghold. 

Thank You, Father! I can’t imagine living a life without a stronghold like you. If I didn’t have you, fear and anxiety would overwhelm me. Yet, I have you. You are my God and I am yours. I can’t express how much that means to me.  

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Father, you have been my stronghold throughout the years. As I’ve encountered oppression and trouble, you’ve protected me and given me peace. You have been faithful. You have always been there for me—always pulled through. You have never forsaken me.

Father, that’s why I trust you. You are trustworthy and you’ve never let me down. You’ve promised that you will always be there for me, always protect me, and always give me strength to endure. 

Father, please help me trust you more fully. I trust you, help my distrust. Forgive me for my own self-reliance. Forgive me for the times when I trust myself more than you (Isn’t that ridiculous?). Then, Father, please work in me through your Spirit to deepen my heart in trusting You. 

Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!

Father, as I think about all the times you’ve protected me throughout the years—all the times you’ve pulled me through. I can’t keep my mouth shut. My mouth opens in songs of praise to you: Great is Your Faithfulness! It Is Well! The Solid Rock! I’m can’t help but pour forth in praise to you for the way you’ve taken care of me. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. Yet, I’m here because you’ve faithfully brought me here. So, I sing praises to your name. 

Father, I also have to talk to other people about what you’ve done for me. My mouth opens in praise, but it also opens in testimony—in witness. When I see other people in the pit of despair—burdened with oppression or trouble—I can’t help but let them know what you’ve done for me. I have to tell them about the times you protected me and pulled me through. I have to let them know what you’ve done in my life AND to help them find true comfort and hope in You. Please bless these conversations, Father, and turn more hearts toward You. Amen.