God’s Timely Encouragement from the Psalms

This week I thought that we could all do with some encouragement…

I love the Psalms. They have such comforting words for times of distress, fear, anguish, and trouble, don’t they? I have been going through the Psalms for the past month, and recently I found some gems of encouragement, hidden within words rife with cries about enemies, battles, injustices, and discouragement. As I read each verse, I realized that God was saying something to me. He knew that this day would come, and that this trial would come along with it, and that I would need some encouragement to make it through.

Please take a look at the verses below. I pray that each one of them will encourage you.

Psalm 46:7 “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (NIV)

God does not step away and watch from a distance when times are hard, He walks through the trials with us, both as a companion and a protector.

Psalm 52:8 “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” (NIV)

Isn’t encouraging to know that even when things around us are crazy, we have His love to fall back on and that this great love will never fail us?

Psalm 54:4 “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” (NIV)

When everything around me crumbles, the Lord will hold me up and keep me going, if I hand Him the reins of my life and let Him do so!

Psalm 55:16 “As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.”(NIV)

Who else can I call on, except God? How often do I remember that He is the only person I can rely on to save me when I am in need of help? Do you remember to call on Him when you are in need? We should, because salvation comes from Him alone.

Psalm 56:10-11 “In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”(NIV)

When I trust, I cannot afford to be afraid, because the God in whom I trust is bigger than anything or anyone that threatens to harm me! (PS. You can only choose one of the two – fear, or trust.)

Psalm 57:1 “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (NIV)

 Ok – so the disaster may be here already. Where, then, do we hide until it passes? Under his wings, where we will be safe, secure and at peace.

Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (NIV)

 It would be great to hide inside a fortress, under the protection of a strong man, wouldn’t it? It would be even better to be under the protection of a mighty God who keeps me safe because He loves me!

Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (NIV)

 A great lesson for all of us here – let’s not trust in God only when things are thick – let’s trust Him at all times! Why? Because the refuge He provides is not based on times and seasons – it is permanent!

Psalm 63:7-8 “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” (NIV)

When you are faced with troubles, cling to the Lord. When you are fearful, cling to the Lord. When you are weak, cling to the Lord. He will uphold you with His right hand – a hand that signifies capability and strength!

Psalm 64:9-10 “All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him!” (NIV)

This last verse encourages me the most. Friends, whatever we are going through now will pass, and we will be able to look back and celebrate what the Lord has done for us!

 

 

Hi, everyone! I hope you have been well, and that the verses I have shared above will lift up your heart. Please share this article with someone who may be feeling fearful, discouraged and uncertain about the future. Lastly, always remember that God is faithful! Be encouraged.