Choosing the Right “I Will” – Lessons from Psalm Nine

Today’s Reading – Listen to Psalms 9 – 16 (Audio)

Read along on Blue Letter Bible – Psalm 9

(Second Milers also read – Hebrews 5 – 8; Psalms 86 – 90; Proverbs 18)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Read the “0618 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “Does God See?“

“1 To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. 3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. 4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. 5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever. 6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. 7 But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. 8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. 9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. 11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. 12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble. 13 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: 14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. 15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. 16 The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. 17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. 18 For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. 19 Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight. 20 Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.” (Ps 9:1–20)

Psalms 9 and 10 are believed to be connected as together they contain an acrostic where each major section begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This is not line-by-line, and there are disruptions in the pattern, nevertheless the acrostic is visible across the span of these two psalms.

However, Psalm 9 is quite different from Psalm 10. In Psalm 9, the theme begins right away with praise for the divine justice of God. In Psalm 10, the writer seems to be not looking at things through the eyes of faith, at least at the onset. The psalmist begins with a natural man’s view of the human condition. All is despair and hopelessness, until he gets to verse 12. In verse 12, he is reminded of the divine justice of God, which in turn changes his perspective of life.

This is a picture of the way we sometimes look at life. On days when we are full of faith, yielded to the Spirit of God, we see life through a divine perspective, recognizing God’s sovereign purpose. But then there are also days when we are in the flesh, and the world begins to darken our perspective. We then see only the evil out there, and it begins to overtake us. The outlook always looks bleak to the Christian who walks in the flesh.

Psalm 9 is both a psalm of praise and a prayer for the divine justice of God in dealing with the enemies of God’s people.

My devotional thought for Psalm 9 centers on the four “I will” statements made by David in verses 1–2:

“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.” (Psalm 9:1–2)

Let’s compare David’s “I wills” with Satan’s recorded in Isaiah 14:

“For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:13–14)

David’s four “I will” statements exemplify true worship and humility—a heart that exalts God alone, testifies to His faithfulness, and finds joy in Him even amid enemies. This is the path of the righteous that leads to blessing and victory.

In complete contrast, Satan’s five “I will” statements reveal the very essence of sin: prideful self-exaltation that seeks to usurp God’s rightful place. Scripture repeatedly warns us that “pride goeth before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18) and that “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).

This powerful contrast between Psalm 9 and Isaiah 14 illustrates the daily choice every believer faces: Will we join David in wholehearted praise of the Most High, or follow Lucifer’s doomed path of self-promotion?

Today’s practical challenge: When trials come and the enemy seems strong (as David faced), choose to declare these four “I wills” out loud. Praise the Lord with your whole heart, testify of His marvellous works, rejoice in Him, and sing His praise. As we do, we shift our focus from the problems around us to the sovereign God above us.

Notes

  1. “Muthlabben” means death of a son, though it is not clear what this is a reference to. Some have suggested that it could be a reference to the death of Goliath – “the death of a captain.” Though it is not clear what the historical context of Psalm 9 is, some believe that David might have penned it after the victory against Goliath.
  2. “Higgaion” means meditation. It could have indicated that softer, reflective instruments be used.

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God Is a Promise Keeper

Listen to today’s passage – Joshua 19 – 21 

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Joshua 19

Second Milers also read – Philemon – Hebrews 4; Proverbs 18; Psalms 86 – 90

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song –  Psalm 19

Read the “0318 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.” – (Joshua 21:45)

God’s Faithfulness in Joshua

In the Book of Joshua, in chapters 19 – 21, we see the continuation of the division of the land among the 12 tribes of Israel. Chapter 20 specifically deals with the six cities of refuge and chapter 21 reveals the 48 cities that were to be given to the Levites. These cities were to be given from within the borders of all of the other tribes so that the priests and ministers of the Lord would be nearby all of the people of Israel. The Levites were not really given a possession of land but they were provided cities to live in and suburbs for their cattle to graze in. This is probably where we got the idea of the church parsonage, and it is probably also why the United States Government does not tax these dwellings. God made sure that His ministers were well taken care of by receiving cities and provision from the other tribes.

The verses that really captured my attention, however, from this morning’s reading was in chapter 21, verses 43 – 45. Here, it says that God held up His end of the bargain. He did everything that He said He would do. He promised them a land and He delivered. He promised them victory over the inhabitants of that land and He gave it. He promised them provision all along the way and they were provided for. In fact, the only time that things did not work out as they were supposed to was when the people did not listen to God’s instruction and acted outside of His will.

What This Means for Us Today

We can trust in the promises of God. There are many promises for us in the New Testament as well. Some of them are unconditional, like our eternal security once we’ve placed our faith in Christ.

Our Part In God’s Promises

Many of His promises, however, are conditional upon our obedience and faith. God says that if we will follow and obey Him, He will do certain things for us. For instance, He says that He will provide for us and protect us and give our lives purpose. These are only a few general samples of what God promises His children today. And God will keep up His end of the bargain. He will do what He says He will do. The question, however, is will you follow Him? Will you trust Him and do what you’re supposed to do? If things don’t turn out as He promised, it’s not because God slipped up. It is because we haven’t done what we are supposed to do.

Consider just a few of God’s Promises:
  • Regarding God’s Provision

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt 6:33)

“6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6–7)

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19)

  • Regarding God’s Peace

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7)

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isa 26:3)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jer 29:11)

  • Regarding Purpose

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28)

Why not find and believe God’s promises for you today, and why not do what He says that you have to do on your end in order for Him to bless you and your family.

A Timeless Reminder: The Rainbow

By the way, the picture of the rainbow at the top is a reminder of one of God’s promises. He promised back in Genesis that He would no longer destroy the whole earth with a flood. There has been flooding at many times and in many places, but the water never again engulfed the entire earth. He told us that He set His bow in the clouds to remind us of that.


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Seeing as God Sees: The Contrast Between Joseph and His Brothers

Listen to today’s passage – Genesis 48 – 50

Follow Along on Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 48

(Second Milers also read – Mark 9 – 10; Proverbs 19; Psalms 91 – 95)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 119:105

Read the “0119 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “Graduation Day“

“15 And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. 16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.” (Gen 50:15–21)

After years of reconciliation, Jacob’s death stirs fresh fear in Joseph’s brothers. With their father gone—the one who had kept Joseph’s kindness in check—they panic. What if Joseph finally repays them for the pit, the slavery, and all the evil they did to him?

They send a message claiming Jacob commanded before he died: “Forgive thy brethren.” Yet Genesis records no such command from Jacob. Many Bible teachers (and perhaps you’ve noticed this too) see this as a fabrication—a desperate, carnal scheme to shield themselves. Instead of trusting Joseph’s proven forgiveness or God’s work in his heart, they resort to manipulation and half-truths. Fear drives them to human methods rather than faith.

Joseph’s response stands in stark contrast. He weeps—likely grieved that after all these years, his brothers still doubt his heart. Then he speaks one of the Bible’s greatest declarations of God’s sovereignty: “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Joseph sees the entire story—the betrayal, the prison, the rise to power—not as random cruelty, but as God’s sovereign hand weaving salvation for many lives, including their own.

Here is the clear divide:
  • The brothers operate in the flesh—fearful, self-protective, scheming.
  • Joseph walks in faith—gracious, trusting, seeing God’s greater purpose even in evil.
Reflection
  • How often do we act like the brothers? When we’ve wronged someone and fear the consequences, do we trust God’s grace in their heart, or do we manipulate circumstances to “help” God along.
  • When painful things happen to us, do we fixate on the evil others intended, or do we look for how God is turning it to good?
  • Joseph’s words in verse 20 are a lifeline for every believer. Evil is real. People really do intend harm. But God is greater. He does not originate the evil, yet He overrules it, redirects it, and brings life from it—to save many, to shape us, and to display His glory.
Application
  • Is there a relationship where lingering guilt or fear is causing you to resort to “carnal” solutions instead of resting in the forgiveness already extended?
  • Think of a painful chapter in your own life. Can you trace—even faintly—how God has brought good from what others (or circumstances) meant for evil?
  • Who in your life needs to hear a Joseph-like reassurance today: “Fear not: I will nourish you”?
Commit to following this advice from Proverbs today:

“5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Prov 3:5–6)


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