Introduction: We must be struck by the introduction to this Psalm. It was to be sung to the tune "The Death of the Son." We have no idea of what this tune sounded like. But the name reminds us that we are all saved by the death of God's Son, Jesus Christ. John 3:16

This Psalm contains some great thoughts to help us today in our spiritual living...

I. We are reminded that the praises of God should always be in our hearts, and on our lips. Why should we be "doom and gloom" Christians? (Psalm 9:1-2, 11)

A. We praise Him for what He is: Eternal, omniscient, omnipowerful, omnipresent, loving, forgiving, merciful, patient...

B. We praise Him for what He has done for us in sending Christ, giving us repentance, creating faith...

C. We praise Him for what He is doing NOW in our lives. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

D. We praise Him for future blessings from His hand.
Rev 22:3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.
Rev 22:4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Rev 22:5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

II. We are reminded that God is at work in the affairs of mankind. Nebuchadnezzar realized this (Daniel 4:34-37).

Dan 4:34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
Dan 4:35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?"
Dan 4:36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.
Dan 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Saddam Hussein is the successor of Nebuchadnezzar. He has rebuilt Babylon. Listen to this account: But God will teach Saddam Hussein the same lesson He taught Nebuchadnezzar. God is at work in Iraq.

God exercises sovereignty over our personal affairs, and also over the affairs of the nations (Psalm 9:5-8).

III. We are reminded that God is concerned about Justice.

A. Justice is mentioned many times in this Psalm (see verses 4, 7, 8, 16, 19).

B. Sometimes in this world it seems as if there is no justice (Isaiah 59:14)!

"So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter."

C. But the Bible re-assures us that there is a God in Heaven, and that He will see to it that justice will be done. (Psalm 89:14; Isaiah 9:7; Amos 5:24)

Psa 89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.

Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Amos 5:24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

D. We are impatient for immediate justice. God is patient (a good thing for us, for we are ALL sinners) and forgiving, but He will not wait forever to bring justice to the world. (Matthew 25:31-33)

Mat 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.
Mat 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Mat 25:33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

IV. This Psalm reminds us that when we are suffering, God can be our refuge (verse 9). He will never forsake His children. He is watching over YOU, and He will never leave YOU. He cares about you.

Conclusion: This Psalm is also a missionary Psalm. In verse 11 we are commanded to proclaim the works of God to the nations. Our missionary conference is coming up soon. Let's remember that getting the Gospel out to the world is our reason for being here. Amen.