No matter where you are in life, everyone faces discouragement at times – whether it’s illness, broken relationships, or simply the struggles of day-to-day life. And while the troubles of the world can weigh heavily on our hearts, as Christians we can trust in the Lord to sustain us. In this post, we invite you to reflect on these 10 Psalms of comfort, resting in the hope of God’s promises.
Comfort in the Lord Our Advocate
“Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will stand up for me against evildoers?
If the Lord were not my help,
I would long have been silent in the grave.
When I say, ‘My foot is slipping,’
your mercy, Lord, holds me up.
When cares increase within me,
your comfort gives me joy.” — Psalms 94:16-19
Comfort in the God Who Hears
“The righteous cry out, the Lord hears
and he rescues them from all their afflictions.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed.
Many are the troubles of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him from them all.
He watches over all his bones;
not one of them shall be broken.
Evil will slay the wicked;
those who hate the righteous are condemned.
The Lord is the redeemer of the souls of his servants;
and none are condemned who take refuge in him.” — Psalm 34:18-23
Comfort in the Rest of God
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me;
my glory, you keep my head high.
With my own voice I will call out to the Lord,
and he will answer me from his holy mountain.
Selah
I lie down and I fall asleep,
[and] I will wake up, for the Lord sustains me.” — Psalm 3:4-6
“The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures he makes me lie down;
to still waters he leads me;
he restores my soul.
He guides me along right paths
for the sake of his name.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff comfort me.” — Psalm 23:1-4
Comfort in the Providence of God Our Creator
“Your hands made me and fashioned me;
give me understanding to learn your commandments.
Those who fear you rejoice to see me,
because I hope in your word.
I know, Lord, that your judgments are righteous;
though you afflict me, you are faithful.
May your mercy comfort me
in accord with your promise to your servant.” — Psalm 119:73-76
“Because he clings to me I will deliver him;
because he knows my name I will set him on high.
He will call upon me and I will answer;
I will be with him in distress;
I will deliver him and give him honor.
With length of days I will satisfy him,
and fill him with my saving power.” — Psalm 91:14-16
Comfort in the Lord Our Guide
“For you, Lord, give light to my lamp;
my God brightens my darkness.
God’s way is unerring;
the Lord’s promise is refined;
he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Truly, who is God except the Lord?
Who but our God is the rock?
This God who girded me with might,
kept my way unerring,
Who made my feet like a deer’s,
and set me on the heights,
Who trained my hands for war,
my arms to string a bow of bronze.
You have given me your saving shield;
your right hand has upheld me;
your favor made me great.
You made room for my steps beneath me;
my ankles never twisted.” — Psalm 18:31-37
“I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
From whence shall come my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
or your guardian to sleep.
The Lord will guard you from all evil;
he will guard your soul.” — Psalm 121:1-3,
Comfort in the Lord Who Gives Joy
“To you, Lord, I cried out;
with the Lord I pleaded for mercy:
‘What gain is there from my lifeblood,
from my going down to the grave?
Does dust give you thanks
or declare your faithfulness?
Hear, O Lord, have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper.’
You changed my mourning into dancing;
you took off my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness.
So that my glory may praise you
and not be silent.
O Lord, my God,
forever will I give you thanks.” — Psalm 30:9-13
Comfort in the Lord Our Redeemer
“Bless the Lord, my soul;
all my being, bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, my soul;
and do not forget all his gifts,
Who pardons all your sins,
and heals all your ills,
Who redeems your life from the pit,
and crowns you with mercy and compassion,
Who fills your days with good things,
so your youth is renewed like the eagle’s…
Merciful and gracious is the Lord,
slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
He will not always accuse,
and nurses no lasting anger;
He has not dealt with us as our sins merit,
nor requited us as our wrongs deserve.
For as the heavens tower over the earth,
so his mercy towers over those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our sins from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” — Psalm 103:1-5, 8-13