Image: Source
Encouragement from the Psalms by Cynthia Greene
The book of Psalms offers us many scriptures that provide encouragement and remind of God’s promises These verses give us a vision of who God is and how he will help us in our time of need.
God is our refuge.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1–2)
The word refuge means a safe place, shelter and protection. When fear, doubt or worrisome thoughts come to our mind we can turn to God as our safe place and find rest and comfort in Him. He is the one that protects us from the attacks of the enemy.
Some ways we can take refuge in God include prayer, spending time in His presence, and meditating on His Word. These actions anchor our hearts and minds in Him and help us not to dwell on our circumstances.
- “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
- Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble.” (Psalm 32:7)
- “Be merciful unto me, O God… for my soul trust in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge.” (Psalm 57:1)
Choosing to seek God as our refuge and strength will give us rest and comfort during our struggles and trials in life.
God is our rock.
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19)
A rock represents strength, stability, endurance and permanence—which is in contrast to shifting sand, which moves and changes. A rock does not yield to pressure. Jesus said in Matthew 7:24-27:
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
We are to anchor our thoughts and actions in God’s truth and trust Him as our rock. Storms and troubles in our life are unavoidable, but the foundation we build upon will determine if we stand or fall.
“He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.” (Psalm 62:6)
God helps in our time of need.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
One of the ways God helps us is by giving us the peace that passes all understanding during times of hardship and trouble. The peace guards our hearts and mind when fear, worry, and doubt fill our thoughts allowing us to trust in God to take care of things instead of trying to control things ourselves.
“And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)
God is our shield.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory.” (Psalm 84:11)
This scripture says “God is a sun and shield…” The sun is an image to describe God as the source of life, light, and growth. And as Psalm 119:105 says:
“They Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 27:1 remind us:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”
God provides the light to guide our path and the shield to protect us along that path. He strengthens, directs, and safeguards us through every step of life.
Conclusion
The Psalms remind us of God’s promises, protection, guidance and help. His Word is a light unto our feet and He alone can provide us stability and peace in a world that is filled with hurt and uncertainty. When we remember who God is we can face our day with hope, courage and even joy–even in the midst of trials. By trusting Him, we anchor our lives in His unshakable strength and experience His peace in all situations.
Putting It Into Practice
- Begin and end your day with prayer.
- Set aside time to read His word and meditate on Scripture.
- Turn to God when faced with hardships and ask for His guidance and direction.
- Keep a journal of answered prayers and blessing from God.
- Read a Psalm every day.
- Share your struggles and concerns with a friend and pray together.
- Write out scriptures that remind you of God’s protection and promises.
