Psalm 9:9-10

English Standard Version (ESV): The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Directions:  Choose a translation of the Bible that you easily understand, but that has depth of meaning.  I recommend that you keep a special journal just for praying the Psalms.  Try praying the Psalms for yourself before reading my version of these verses.  The point of this method is for the Spirit to speak with your heart and that you will commune with God about how your own experience relates to His word.  I only include my sample to help you understand what I mean in the steps and because it is always good for Christians to share their thoughts about God and experiences with Him.

Step 1:  Choose a verse or two from one of the Psalms and write it out in a notebook. 

Step 2: After reading a thought from the verse, begin writing your own version of that thought.  This is not exactly paraphrasing the Psalmist’s words although you can paraphrase if you wish.  This is taking the thought and applying it to your own life and changing the words to fit your own experience.  Continue writing about your experience with God until you no longer have anything more to say.

Step 3:  Go to the next thought in the verse and repeat Step 2. 

Step 4:  Continue this process until you feel satisfied that you are finished or until the verse’s thoughts are finished.

My version (verses 9-10): I do not often feel oppressed, but maybe that is because I have confidence in Your protection when life tries to push me down. You hate to see Your children hurting each other, and You provide a safe place to shelter them when others abuse them. We can hide in You even when the oppression does not stop. You did not promise that You would give me peace with the world. You warned me that the world would hate and oppress me, but You also promised that You and I would stand together in unity to face that oppression. I can count on You to be my protector in times of trouble so that I can face the oncoming disasters without flinching. When we know You, truly know You, we will trust You to the end of our life and beyond. When I know You, I will have faith that You never betray Your own. When the way seems hopeless, I will still stay on the path where You are leading me and trust in Your care if I just remember who You are and refuse to focus on the struggles. You draw the peoples of the world to You, and if we come to You, You hold us close and fill us with Your goodness so that the knowledge of You permeates our being. To know You is to become like You–trustworthy and full of the satisfaction of loving and being loved.