When we are struggling, going through a difficult season, or even experiencing joyful times– the Psalms is a great book in the Bible to turn to. In its many verses, we can find hope, strength, encouragement, and inspiration. But, in my opinion, one of the best things the Psalms do is help us keep our eyes focused on the Lord.
In good times, we have the natural tendency to focus on ourselves or how good our situation may be. It’s easy to forget to give God glory when we’re standing on a mountaintop.
In the hard times, it’s much easier to dwell on the situation at hand– how difficult it is, the many questions we may have, or the anxieties about the unknown outcome that we let fester within us. In our minds, we think we see clearly the things right in front of us.
Yet, what we see in this world we don’t truly see clearly. The sin, our limited thinking, and others’ input cloud our sight. We think the things of this world are more real than anything else– but, they’re not.
The God of the universe is real. He is truer than anything we see, face, or perceive on this earth and in our lives.
But, sometimes we forget that. Am I right, sister? At least I know I do. I can’t see the forest for the trees, and I forget that I serve an amazing, strong, and mighty God who is all-knowing and all-powerful. He is over all things, and yes– that includes any circumstances we face right now.
So, whether you’re looking for Bible verses about hope, protection, encouragement, or guidance, the Psalms is a good place to start.
The Psalms we’ll visit in this post come from the first third of the book. Obviously, there are many more that could be listed. I encourage you to spend some time reading the rest of this beautifully written book and bask in His goodness!
So, let’s dive into my list of encouraging and powerful Psalms! Along the way, we’ll also discuss what we can learn from them, what they tell us about the Lord, and how to pray using the verses.
All scriptures are noted in ESV.
Psalms about encouragement
If you’re looking for encouraging Bible verses, the Psalms is one of the best places to go. Maybe you’re like me– you have encouraging Scripture verses on your fridge, in your journal, or earmarked in your Bible. Let these sweet promises feed your soul today.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14)
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! (Psalm 31:24)
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
What we learn from these Psalms:
We can see the goodness of the Lord if we only look
We should wait for the Lord and His timing
The Lord calls us to be strong and take courage
We can cast our burdens on Him, knowing He’ll sustain us
What does the Lord do for us, according to these Psalms?
He calls us to wait on Him
He strengthens the hearts of those who wait on Him
He sustains us when we cast our burdens on Him
He doesn’t allow us to be moved
How can we pray these Psalms?
Dear Lord, You are so good. Thank you for strengthening me when I need it, and for not allowing me to be shaken or moved. I pray that I would willingly cast my cares and burdens on You, trusting that You’ll sustain me. Help me to wait for You, knowing You will strengthen my heart as I wait.
Psalms about the Lord’s protection and deliverance
How do you ask God for protection, and what does the Bible say about God keeping us safe?
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. (Psalm 18:2-3)
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. (Psalm 37:39)
What we learn from these Psalms:
The Lord is our: rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, the horn of our salvation, and stronghold
We can take refuge in Him
We should praise the Lord, for He is worthy
We can rejoice and have joy in Him
We are covered in His favor
What does the Lord do for us, according to these Psalms?
He saves us from our enemies when we call on Him
He provides refuge
He spreads protection over us
He blesses the righteous
Salvation is from Him
How can we pray these Psalms?
Dear Lord, thank You for your protection and deliverance from all my enemies. You save me in times of trouble. I can come to you for safety, knowing you are my shield. I praise You simply because You are worthy to be praised.
Psalms about the Lord’s safety
What does the Bible say about safety and protection? Quite a bit, especially in the Psalms! Many of David’s psalms were written at times when he was in heavy distress while being pursued by his enemies. I love the raw, uncut passion, uneasiness, and vulnerability he often communicated; yet at the same time, he shared his hope in the Lord.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. (Psalm 7:10)
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:6)
What we learn from these Psalms:
We can lie down in peace
God is our shield
God is our rock, salvation, and fortress
What does the Lord do for us, according to these Psalms?
He makes us dwell in safety
He saves the upright in heart
He doesn’t allow us to be shaken
How can we pray these Psalms?
Dear Lord, I pray that You will not let me forget that You are the only safety net I need. You keep me in your care and protection, and when I am with You, I dwell safely. I know that I can sleep peacefully because Your presence is with me. I thank You that when I allow You to be my only rock, I cannot be moved.
Psalms about the Lord’s guidance
What does the Bible say about making good decisions? The Lord is there for us, not only for protection and safety but also for guidance as well. God cares about our decision-making, and He wants us to make purposeful decisions that honor Him. But, how can we do that?
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:8-11)
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; (Psalm 37:23)
What we learn from these Psalms:
Our first step is to set the Lord before us and our situations
The Lord is at our right hand
We can dwell securely because of His presence
In His presence, there is joy and pleasures
We can delight in the way He has for us
His presence should make our hearts glad and rejoice
What does the Lord do for us, according to these Psalms?
He is the one who establishes our steps
He does not allow us to be shaken
He keeps us secure
He does not abandon us or allow us to see corruption
He allows His path for us to be known by us
How can we pray these Psalms?
Dear Lord, I know so many times in my life I want to be the first to take the reigns. Yet, this is not what You prefer for me I’m thankful that You always have a path for me. I pray that You’d help me always to set You and only You before my thoughts and my actions. You keep me secure and You don’t abandon me. When I am tempted to direct my own steps, I pray that You would guide me back to Your way, where I can experience Your fullness of joy.
Psalms about the Lord’s care for us
Psalm 23 is a favorite when answering the question, How does God care for us? We see Him in this Psalm as the Shepherd, leading and caring for His precious sheep, us. As we’ve learned so far, His protection, safety, and guidance all contribute to the tangible ways in which He cares for His own.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love. (Psalm 33:18)When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. (Psalms 34:17)
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. (Psalms 40:1-3)
What we learn from these Psalms:
We can cry for help, being confident the Lord will hear us
The Lord will deliver us from our troubles
We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever
We should fear (reverence) Him, and keep our hope in His love
We need to patiently wait for the Lord
When we praise Him, others will take notice and put their trust in Him
What does the Lord do for us, according to these Psalms?
He pursues us with His goodness and mercy
He watches over us
He not only hears our cries but answers them as well
He delivers us from our troubles
He pulls us up from the pit that tries so desperately to keep us ensnared, and sets our feet upon a rock
He puts songs of praise in our mouths
How can we pray these Psalms?
Dear Lord, when I am down, stuck, and feel there is no way out, I’m thankful that You set me upon Your solid rock. You keep Your eye on me and listen for my cry. Thank You for responding and delivering me, time and time again. I ask that You help me to wait patiently on You, not taking matters into my own hands. Help me to remember that You will always come. And, when You put that sweet song in my mouth, may I sing it unabashedly so that You can be glorified and praised to all the people.
Free Bible Study: Finding Trust, Praise, and Faithfulness in the Psalms
I pray this list of encouraging Bible verses has helped you see more clearly who the Lord is and what He does for you when you trust in Him. In order for you to continue your study of His goodness, I have a gift for you: a FREE Bible Study!
The Finding Trust, Praise, and Faithfulness in the Psalms Bible Study will focus on several Psalms that talk about the topics of trust, praise, and faithfulness. The 16-page study will follow a similar format as above, inviting you to ponder what you can learn from the verses, what the Lord says He will do, and finally, space to write a prayer.
Download YOUR FREE Bible Study using the form below.
What are your favorite encouraging Bible verses? Let me know in the comments below!
