I’ve got a new spin on the phrase “There’s an app for that.”
In my 88th day of reading the book of Psalms, I can truthfully say: There’s a psalm for that.
Yes, no matter your emotion, no matter your circumstances, there’s a psalm that will speak to your personal situation.
To catch you up if you missed some of my earlier columns, I began a daily reading of the Psalms on Feb. 1 and am planning to finish with the 150th on June 30. So far, so good – except for the few days when I had to read more than one chapter because I unintentionally let myself fall behind. Even on those catch-up days, though, the words have stayed fresh and full of meaning.
The Psalms cover the full landscape of human emotions: fear, joy, sorrow, anger, trust, gratitude, repentance, hope. Whatever you’re feeling, you can find a psalm that speaks directly to it – and more importantly, shows you how to bring it before God.
Here are just a few examples from the first 88 psalms:
Fear and vulnerability: “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” (Psalm 3:5) When fear has rattled your soul, this verse reminds you that God watches over you, even when you’re not even awake to know it.
Waiting and doubt: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1) When God’s timing feels excruciatingly slow, it’s comforting to realize that even David, a man after God’s own heart, wrestled with the same feelings.
Provision and peace: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) This is the deep sigh of relief that comes from trusting that God will take care of our needs.
Hope after heartache: “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5) When sadness feels endless, this verse reminds us that new joy is already on the horizon.
Answering the longing for connection: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” (Psalm 42:1). This psalm beautifully captures the yearning for a deeper connection with God. It’s perfect for moments of spiritual searching or renewal.
Strength in crisis: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) When life’s storms rage around us, God isn’t far off. He’s “very present.”
Fresh starts: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) These are the perfect words for anyone needing to hit the reset button.
Surrender and stillness: “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.” (Psalm 62:1) In a world that never stops buzzing, this reminds us that our true hope comes from waiting quietly before God.
Endurance in weakness: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26) When your own strength runs out, this verse points you to the One who never fails.
Joyful worship: “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” (Psalm 84:10) It’s a powerful reminder that nothing in this world compares to simply being close to God.
Honest lament: “For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.” (Psalm 88:3) Psalm 88 is often called the darkest of all psalms. Yet even here, the psalmist turns to God in his pain, showing us that we can bring everything to Him – even our most anguished cries.
So, yes, there’s a psalm for that.
As I’ve read through these psalms, I’ve found comfort, hope and a deep sense of God’s presence woven into their words. Again and again, they remind me that I am never alone. Through the honest, heartfelt voices of the psalmists, God meets me right where I am – and He can meet you, too, wherever you are.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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