A Psalm for a Hard Summer

There are certain sections of my two-year Bible reading plan that make me extremely grateful for the book of Psalms.

I believe all scripture is inspired by God and there for a reason. But at 6 o’clock on most any summer morning, Leviticus can get a bit tedious.

Each day, my reading plan includes a passage from the Old or New Testament, along with a chapter from either Psalms or Proverbs. And lately, it’s been the Psalms that are keeping me going.

Yes, they’ve given me something to look forward to as I plow through the more monotonous parts of my daily readings. More importantly, though, they’ve been my spiritual anchor as my family walks through an intense season of caring for my mom.

I’ve starred and underlined and bracketed verses in almost every chapter. Again and again, I have come across exactly the right bit of encouragement for the day ahead—just when I needed it most.

Truly, God’s Word is living and active and powerful, just as Hebrews 4:12 describes it.

I hope your summer has been full of fun vacations and lazy days by the pool. But if your recent history has been more like mine—full of unexpected challenges, uncertainty and even sadness—I have some words that might offer comfort.

They’re some of the same words that have been keeping me going this summer, arranged in the form of this prayer.

Lord, You have been our refuge in every generation. Before the mountains were born, before You gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity, You are God. (Psalm 90:1-2)

Whom do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever. (Psalm 73:25-26)

If the Lord had not been my helper, I would soon rest in the silence of death. If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your faithful love will support me, Lord. When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy. (Psalm 94:17-19)

Lord, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy. I call on You in the day of my distress, for You will answer me. (Psalm 86:6)

Save me, God, for the water has risen to my neck. I have sunk in deep mud, and there is no footing; I have come into deep waters, and a flood sweeps over me. (Psalm 69:1-2)

God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. I call to You from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for You have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. (Psalm 61:1-3)

When I think of You as I lie on my bed, I meditate on You during the night watches because You are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. I follow close to You; Your right hand holds on to me. (Psalm 63:6-8)

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. (Psalm 143:8, NIV)

My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident. I will sing; I will sing praises. (Psalm 57:7)

I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live. (Psalm 104:33)

The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. (Psalm 118:14)

Amen.

♥ Lois

Note: Unless otherwise noted, all verses are from the Holman Christian Standard Version of the Bible.

Also: I’m linking up this week with Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Chasing Community and Grace & Truth.