Psalms for Hope, Comfort and Peace

The book of Psalms is a favorite of mine because David and others bare their heart and soul to the Lord, but always end with praise and thanksgiving for God’s steadfast love. This week I turned to three passages to uplift, encourage and strengthen my soul. I hope they provide the same to you.

 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.

Psalm 130:5 

 This week I’ve prayed, “how long Lord? How long must we wait?”

The psalmist provides a path toward peace when he declares he waits for the Lord and hopes in His word. The Word breathes life into desolation, renews a withering soul, and nurtures our flickering hope.

Hope sustains, nurtures and increases our faith. When the situation seems impossible, hope never gives up. The psalmist doesn’t just say he waits, but that his soul waits. Hope transcends the physical and permeates our entire being. Hope takes us out of the temporal view and transports us to the eternal perspective.

Faith assures us that what we hope for will come to pass, but first we must have hope.  Hope is one thing that lifts my soul.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

The psalmist reminds us that God is bigger than tragedy, chaos, racism, hatred or fear. He heals, comforts and guides us through times like the present circumstances.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

In this verse. the psalmist provides insight into God’s character and role in our lives. First, God is our refuge. We can go to Him, hide in His arms until the storm passes. Second, He is our strength. When we are weak, tried or afraid, He renews us, comforts us and assures us the future is bright. Finally, God is a hands-on God. Right now, He seems distant, but the psalmist reminds us that He is “very present.” I’m not sure how we know He’s present when chaos continues day after day, but He is here.

His love never fails.

This is a time when another scripture takes on new significance, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” Sometimes we must hang on to faith by a thread of hope that tells us, “He is here. He is my refuge and in Him I will find my strength.”

Author: Charlotte B. Thomason

I hold a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Apologetics, Emphasis in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Baptist University. I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Graceland University. With over 30 years of experience in foster care and social work, I have a wealth of experience from which to draw as I offer guidance to women in their journey of healing. I have seen, both professionally and personally the devastation created by child abuse. My writing also reflects my personal journey to healing. View all posts by Charlotte B. Thomason