Making the Psalms a consistent part of our time studying the Bible is enriching and important. The Psalms are meant to be sung and prayed, and there are specific psalms that were written to help us when life it bleak and we feel miserable.
If you’ve found yourself there recently, here’s hope from God’s Word. The Psalms offer countless verses of real-life struggles and prayers for God’s strength and covering. No matter what we may be facing today, we can choose to set our hearts and minds on His truth, believing that He is with us and giving us strength, every step of the way.
Here are 2 reminders from the Psalms to help start your day with peace and strength.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day…The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress…Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will exalted in the earth...The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:1-11)
One of the hardest things I've learned in life, especially in the tough days, is simply this: Be still, more. When we're often so prone to hurry and worry, this may feel like such a huge challenge. But we should never allow the pressures of what we’re facing get in the way of just spending much-needed time in God’s Presence. It’s truly the most important minutes of our day; and will bring peace to our spirit and strength to the day.
Maybe everything hasn't gone as planned in recent days. Maybe times seem hard or we're not sure what God is doing through this difficult season. But whatever's concerning us, we can entrust it to our powerful God, for He knows every burden we’ve carried. And He cares. God’s truths and time spent with Him will help us to quit spiraling into cycles of worry, as our hearts and minds become more focused on Him. The very God who causes the sun to rise every morning, who created us, and all that we see, holds the whole world in His hands. He keeps us safe and secure in His care, and reminds us, He hasn’t lost control. Not ever.
Psalm 23 - The Lord is our Shepherd and He will lead the way:
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6)
This beautiful Psalm written by David reminds us that God is our constant caring shepherd and faithful guide. In Him alone we have hope, both in this life and through all of eternity. These words are a treasure to our souls, reminding us that in whatever we face, we never walk alone, and we do not have to fear. Meditating and memorizing this chapter of Psalm will bring peace and comfort to each day, through every season of life, no matter what we may face.
God is the only One who has the power to truly restore our souls and lead our way. His goodness and love will follow us, chase after us, every day of our lives. That’s how very much He cares for us. Even in the darkest times that this life may bring, He is our safe place, and we can find refuge in Him.
It’s a new day ahead my friends, and a gift straight from God’s hand. If you woke up this morning, then we can be assured that God has great purpose for our lives, for this day. May He help us to lift our eyes and hearts towards Him; choose to find joy and live every moment for His glory.
