While at a motorway service station, Russell heard panicked shouts for help. A man was suffering a major cardiac arrest and needed immediate attention. Russell took control of the situation, giving instructions and providing CPR until the paramedics arrived.
When the man failed to respond, the onlookers began to offer misguided advice. Finally Russell said, “I know what I’m doing; I work with the Royal Marines.” The crowd relaxed—after all, a Royal Marine was exactly the right kind of person to take charge in this emergency. They’re known to be highly trained, competent and trustworthy.
If a Royal Marine can be encouraging in a crisis, how much more can God’s name inspire confidence when we’re in any kind of trouble? “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you,” writes the psalmist (Psalm 9:10).
What truths come to mind when we consider all that God’s name means? He “reigns for ever”, “rules the world in righteousness” and is “a refuge for the oppressed” (Psalm 9:7–9). These are absolute and eternal characteristics of God that we can depend upon in daily life and in emergencies.
No matter what crisis we may find ourselves in today, we can trust in the name of the Lord. He reigns as King and He is always our “stronghold in times of trouble” (v. 9).
By Debbi Fralick
REFLECT & PRAY
What does God’s name mean to you? How does meditating on His character bring you reassurance and hope, whether in times of peace or during a crisis?
Heavenly Father, thank You for reigning in righteousness. You are my refuge; I set my hope in You alone.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalms 9 and 10 may have originally been a single acrostic poem in Hebrew in which alternating lines begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Unlike other laments (a prayer or poem of deep sorrow for the hardships and difficulties of life), these psalms begin with deep confidence and praise to God. Even in the midst of the trials, the author recognises that God has done wonderful things and the proper response is to give thanks, spread the news of those deeds, and rejoice and sing praises to His name (9:1–2).
We see in Psalm 9 a lesson in perspective. Not only has God performed grand things like delivering His people from Egypt, sustaining them in the wilderness, and giving them the Promised Land, but His deeds are personal as well. God shows His goodness and unfolds His plan in both grand and personal ways.
J.R. Hudberg
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