Psalms for Every Season: Finding God in Sin & Struggles

Psalms for Every Season: Finding God in Sin & Struggles is part two in the Psalms for Every Season. You can find part one here.

For When You Find Yourself Trapped in Sin

David was no stranger to sin and hardships. Psalm 51 is written by David after the prophet Nathan visited him after David committed adultery with Bathsheba. God already knows what we’ve done, but we are still encouraged to confess it to God and ask for forgiveness. God’s love for us is unfailing. We can’t do anything to lose God’s love. In this Psalm, David confesses his sins to the Lord. Many times, I find myself praying these verses, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you.” (Psalm 51:10-12 NLT). God forgave David of his sins and redeemed him. God will forgive you for your sins too.

For When You Need to Confess Your Sins

David wrote Psalm 32 about being thankful for when we are forgiven. He starts the psalm off, “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!” (Psalm 32:1 NLT). Confessing and repenting of our sins brings joy to our hearts and souls. There is wisdom in confession and repentance of our sins. This psalm encourages repentance and confession of sins to find joy in the Lord for being obedient. We find protection in the Lord, “For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.” (Psalm 32:7 NLT). “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.’” (Psalm 32:8-9 NLT). The Lord will lead us along the right pathways when we are obedient, confessing and repenting of our sins. David encourages us to rejoice and be glad when we obey the Lord for our hearts are pure.

When You Find Yourself in A Season of Trouble

Life hits us at times from all sides. Maybe you are experiencing problems with your teens or other relationships, sometimes we mess up and find ourselves in a heap of trouble. For those seasons, I encourage you to seek out Psalm 46, which starts with reassurance, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NLT). God’s always ready. As the psalm continues, it reminds me of many things that the world is facing with oceans roaring, mountains trembling and earthquakes causing mountains to crumble. God is bigger than all of those things, nothing surprises Him either. God encourages us to find rest in Him, “‘Be still, and know that I am God!’” (Psalm 46:10a NLT). When we sit in the stillness of God, we find comfort and peace that passes all understanding. The next time you find yourself in a season of trouble, be still before the Lord.

When All Else Fails

Psalm 91 has become known as my 911 Psalm. It seems to fit every situation, bringing me peace as I read it and soak it in. In my Bible, along the margin are dates that fill the page on when I’ve prayed this, read this, cried through reading it. Most passages in my Bible have a few verses highlighted (underlined) but this psalm is completely underlined. This psalm is filled with comfort and reassurances of God’s character. “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1 NLT). He offers us rest, refuge and safety (verse 2). God rescues us (verse 3), gives us protection (verse 4), He reassures us and gives us comfort (verse 5-7). The psalm ends with, “The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue then with a long life and give them my salvation.’” (Psalm 91:14-16 NLT). Trust God and you’ll find the peace you need. He will protect and keep you.

On days, when I didn’t know where to turn, I choose Psalm 91 to read and find encouragement. When life seems turned upside down and it’s hard to concentrate on where we should turn, just remember to turn to the Lord. These psalms will help encourage you through the different times you face and you’ll be reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

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Hope in the Healing: A 40-Day Devotional Journey Through Chronic Illness

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