Psalms For The Discouraged

Why do we turn to the Psalms when we are discouraged or when we visit someone who has gone through a trying time? We turn to them because the psalmists—from David to Asaph to Moses—wrote from experience, and as you read the Psalms in those difficult times, they ring true. The psalmists have been there, done that, felt that. David, for example, probably knew more about discouragement than most people. His boss threw spears at him; his wife chided him; his son revolted against him; and on and on.

Here are a few verses from the Psalms that can help you when you are feeling discouraged:

Psalm 9:18

For the needy will not be forgotten forever;

the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.

Psalm 78:7

So each generation can set its hope anew on God,

remembering his glorious miracles

and obeying his commands.

Psalm 33:18, 22

But the LORD watches over those who fear him,

those who rely on his unfailing love. . . .

Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD,

for our hope is in you alone.

Psalm 138:8

The LORD will work out his plans for my life—

for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.

Psalm 130:7

With the LORD there is unfailing love

and an overflowing supply of salvation.

Psalm 102:17

He will listen to the prayers of the destitute.

He will not reject their pleas.

Psalm 94:18-19

I cried out, “I’m slipping!”

and your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me.

When doubts filled my mind,

your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

As you read the Psalms that speak about discouraging times, you will soon notice that many of them end on a positive note. What’s their secret? Why do the psalmists come out of almost every psalm smiling and praising the Lord? How have they conquered discouragement?

It is because the psalmists knew three big truths about God that can act like pills against depression and discouragement: God’s promises, God’s love, and God’s unchanging character. Over and over again these three divine qualities are rehearsed:

God’s promises: “The Lord . . . will not abandon his own special possession” (Psalm 94:14). He will always be faithful to his people and to the promises that he has given them. We can trust him to hold on to us even when times are tough.

God’s love: “His unfailing love continues forever” (Psalm 100:5). We can always count on God’s love for us. No matter how bad we feel about ourselves or how bad others feel about us, we can know that God cares for us.

God’s unchangingness: “He is our God forever and ever, and he will be our guide until we die” (Psalm 48:14). God is eternal. He is certain, and we can stake everything on him. Everything around us may seem temporary and uncertain, but God is always the same.

Someone has said that discouragement is the Devil’s all-purpose tool. When he can’t get us down with anything else, he will use the D-tool. The next time he tries it on you, find those three pills in the Psalms, take all three before going to bed at night, and see if you don’t sleep soundly and feel better in the morning!

We hope in you, O God!

The day wears on to night,

Thick shadows lie across our world,

In you alone is light.

MARIANNE HEARN