Can we really find true justice for the poor and needy in the governments of men, or only in God? Let’s look at Psalm 9.
No matter what genre of music is chosen, what is important about the lyrics we sing?
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. (Ps 9:1-2 NIV)
Who defeats our enemies, whether they be individuals or nations?
When my enemies turn back, They shall fall and perish at Your presence. For You have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging in righteousness. You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever. O enemy, destructions are finished forever! And you have destroyed cities; Even their memory has perished. (Ps 9:3-6 NKJV)
Does the Lord reign even now in this troubled world and is He a refuge in times of trouble?
But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. (Ps 9:7-10 NLT)
Do we sing God’s praises? Do we show His praise and rejoice in His salvation?
Sing praises to Yahweh, who dwells in Zion, and declare among the people what he has done. For he who avenges blood remembers them. He doesn’t forget the cry of the afflicted. Have mercy on me, Yahweh. See my affliction by those who hate me, and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may show all of your praise. I will rejoice in your salvation in the gates of the daughter of Zion. (Ps 9:11-14 WEB)
Is God impressed with national pride? Or have nations wickedly set pitfalls into which they themselves have fallen? Is only God famous for justice?
The nations have fallen into the hole they themselves made! Their feet are caught in the very net they themselves hid! The Lord is famous for the justice he has done; it’s his own doing that the wicked are trapped. Higgayon [Meditation]. Selah (Ps 9:15-16 CEB)
Will God take care of the poor and homeless neglected by wicked nations?
The wicked will go down to the world of the dead to be with those nations that forgot about you. The poor and the homeless won't always be forgotten and without hope. (Ps 9:17-18 CEV)
Do we trust any world leaders to solve our problems or are we like David and trust only God?
Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah (Ps 9:19-20 ESV)
Have the needy suffered under every form of human government in human history? What did Jesus proclaim is different about the kingdom of God?
The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19 HCSB)
Can we really find true justice for the poor and needy in the governments of men, or only in God? You decide!
