Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
In a world where information is more available than it's ever been before and where we're all connected with everyone else, we're deeply conscious that the world is not the place it was meant to be. With all its beauty and hope, there are far too many places where people live narrow, painful and short lives that are full of fear. Psalm 9 is framed as a personal appeal to God to act with justice, but it goes wider than that: it's not just about one person's plight, but the world's. 'The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed', the psalmist says (verse 9); 'God remembers those who suffer' (verse 12).
This vision of justice for those who suffer wrong is built in to Scripture from the very beginning. God is against those who oppress people weaker than themselves. If we are in that position, God is on our side; and we should be on the side of all those in that position. And when we read this psalm we should allow it to challenge us as well as comfort us – are we quite sure there's no one who could accuse us of being on the side of the oppressors? Everyone lives under his judgement, whether they know it or not – the classroom, church or workplace bully as well as the warlord or dictator.
God, thank you that you are a refuge for the oppressed, and that the hope of the needy will not be crushed forever. Open my eyes to the needs of others, and teach me your holy outrage at injustice.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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