Psalms for Every Season: Finding God When You Feel Afraid, Doubtful, or Alone is part one of a two-part series. The second part will come out next month.
I stared at the rose pink cover of my Bible, with the inscription of my name along the side and Philippians 4:13 written on it, hoping that the right verse would come to me when I opened it. I’ve trusted God in the past to open my Bible randomly, knowing that whatever passage I found would be what I needed at that moment. God always knew what I needed to read.
Do you ever find yourself staring at your Bible and not knowing where to turn for the season of life you’re in? It can be overwhelming. I created a “Psalms for Every Season” guide for different seasons that may help you the next time you don’t know where to turn for encouragement.
When You Are Afraid
When you are faced with fear or worries, turn to reading Psalm 27. King David wrote this Psalm; his words in the beginning always give me pause. “The Lord is my light and my salvation–so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (Psalm 27:1 NLT). When we are afraid, the Psalm begins with encouragement, reminding us that the Lord is our fortress and salvation. The psalm ends with a verse for those who are waiting. It’s easy to fear when we wait. The enemy likes to make our minds whirl with the what-ifs. But the next time you face worries and fears while you wait, I encourage you to read verse 14, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14 NLT).
When You Are Doubting
Psalmist Asaph wrote Psalm 73, sharing that he felt his feet slipping as he watched the proud and wicked succeed (verse 3). He gets caught up in looking at how things appear, claiming, “They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.” (Psalm 73:4-5 NLT).
If we keep our focus on the world, then we will become distressed and filled with doubt. As the psalm continues, he begins to self-reflect, examining how he measures up, which brings about more doubt and depression, but he ends the psalm by changing his perspective. He focuses his attention on God, where he finds rest and renewal. “Yet, I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” (Psalm 73:22-26 NLT). Forever we are His, not just for a little while, but God gives us strength to carry on through the hard seasons, and He remains with us forever! Every time I read these verses, my heart and face smile because I know God is with me!
When You Feel Lonely
As I read through the words of Psalm 12, written by David, it feels all too familiar: neighbors lying to one another, violence, yet in verse five the Lord replies, “…‘I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.’’ (Psalm 12:5 NLT). This is the Lord’s promise to us, and we know the Lord is a promise keeper. David continues the psalm with how God is faithful. In the last few verses, I find the most comfort as David writes, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.” (Psalm 12:8-9 NLT). God never leaves us. Besides these verses, I’ve written in the margins, “In the easy and the hard, and in the holy, He is at my right hand. Always.” He’s always with us, which brings comfort to the soul when we feel lonely, like no one cares. God doesn’t leave us.
For When You Are Sick
Sickness is never easy, whether it’s a short cold or a lifelong illness that changes constantly. May you find comfort in Psalm 6, written by David. David starts the psalm out asking for the Lord to have compassion on him because he was weak and his bones were in agony. It doesn’t name the sickness he faced, but verse three says he was more than physically sick; he was sick at heart. He begs the Lord to rescue him from this sickness, “Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love.” (Psalm 6:4 NLT). As the psalm continues, David expresses the anguish and grief he is bearing. Yet, he still ends the psalm with assurances that “The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.” (Psalm 6:9 NLT). God hears our cries and our pleas and knows our sickness and grief. He will answer your prayers; never stop praying.
Remember to seek the Lord’s guidance for anxiety, fear, doubt, and for strength when you are unwell. Part two will be posted next month.
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Hope in the Healing: A 40-Day Journey Through Chronic Illness
Hope in the Healing: A 40-Day Devotional Journey Through Chronic Illness
Find strength for today and hope for tomorrow with this compassionate 40-day devotional designed for those navigating the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of chronic illness. Hope in the Healing offers gentle encouragement, Scripture-based reflections, and space to connect with God—even on the hardest days.
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