At the start of each month, I often go back to the Psalms for encouragement and refreshment. These verses especially encouraged me these last few days and currently give me something to “do” when I feel discouraged or confused about my next steps. Join me in May in reading the Psalms as part of your morning Bible reading and journaling practice.
Delight in reading the Bible: Someone who delights in God’s word is like a tree “which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:3).
Run to God: “Blessed are all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 2:12b).
Enjoy God’s protection and listening ear as we affirm to God “You are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. . . [You] answer me” (Psalm 3:3-4).
Remember God’s joy will fill you more than material wealth and provision: “You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound” (Psalm 4:7).
Claim God’s blessing and favor: “For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12).
Ask for God’s mercy and healing for whatever hurts you: “Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint; O Lord, heal me. . .” (Psalm 6:2).
Thank the Lord: “I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High” (Psalm 7:17).
Understand your God-given authority where God has placed you: “You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet” (Psalm 8:6).
Trust that God will not forsake you: “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10).
Commit yourself to God’s care: “The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless” (Psalm 10:14).
Delight. Run. Enjoy. Remember. Claim. Ask. Thank. Understand. Trust. Commit.