Where do you get the strength when things get tough or out of control, or you feel unsafe?
No one can predict what exactly will help next or see tomorrow, so it’s normal for us to seek protection. Fortunately, the Book of Psalms reassures us that God is always with us in times of uncertainty and trouble.
The Psalms in the Bible are a collection of poems or songs. Initially, it is titled “Tellihi,” meaning “praise songs in Hebrew. The modern word “Psalms” is derived from the Greek word “Psalmoi,” which means “song of praise.”
The psalms were written by different authors, including David, Solomon, and Moses. Each is an individual poem or song used to worship God in the temple and tabernacle. The Bible offers 150 psalms, and each psalm is dedicated to a particular situation.
Here are some of the most powerful psalms for protection:
Psalm 4:8
In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 18:2-3
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:16-19
He reached down from high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me on the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
Psalm 23:1-4
The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters; he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Psalm 25:20-21
Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me because my hope, Lord, is in you.
Psalm 27:5
For in the day of trouble, he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Psalm 28:6-9
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him and helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song, I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them.
Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
Psalm 55:16-17
As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.
Psalm 69:29
But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may Your salvation, God, protect me.
Psalm 116:1-9
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me; the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!” The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return to Your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
Psalm 121:1-8
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let Your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 138:3, 138:7
When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me…Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes; with Your right hand, you save me.
Conclusion
The book of psalms includes prayers to God, but it also guides us. Each psalm will help you put your concerns and thoughts into words and feel God’s protection.
