I love the book of Psalms. It’s praise to the Lord in a way much more eloquent than anything I can dream up. And it’s FULL of promises that I’ve believed in over the years. Not just believed in, but dug in and planted roots and held on so tightly that the devil himself could not rip away my faith in the Lord’s promises.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Right at the beginning of the book we have guidance, praise, and a promise. I stand on verse 3, he shall be like a tree…his leaf shall not wither…

This is the whole basis of an unfaded faith. But we don’t get the promise without the conditions listed in verses 1 and 2. Don’t be like the world. Don’t conform to its standards. Take pleasure in the ways of the Lord. Note: it doesn’t say begrudgingly do it the Lord’s way but to DELIGHT in the law of the Lord. Only then do you get the promise of a fruit-filled life.

Psalm 15

1 (A Psalm of David.) LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. 4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. 5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

I love this whole chapter. Who shall abide with the Lord? He tells us what to do and what NOT to do in this psalm. I especially love “he that sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not.” How many of us think it’s a free pass to curse or yell or get angry when we’ve been done wrong? To self-medicate or seek comfort in ungodly ways when we’ve been utterly devastated through no fault of our own?

But God says…CHANGETH NOT. We are to continue praising Him, even as Job did, even in the midst of our struggles.

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Wow! I feel safer just READING that verse.

We used to take the kids to old battlegrounds where we could walk through battle forts and climb towers. They’ve withstood the elements of time for one reason: they are incredibly strong. And yet, the LORD is our fortress. Think how much stronger that is! This verse provides comfort to me in good times (it feels like a comfy, cozy blanket) and bad (my own personal safe room).

Psalm 27:1

(A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

The beginning of the song “Never Let Go” can be found in this verse. “Whom then shall I fear? Oh no, never let go…” And it’s powerful. If I have the strength of the Lord within me, why on earth should I be afraid of anything else?

For someone who operated in fear for many years, this verse was of great comfort to me.

Psalm 31:1

In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

The part that stands out to me here is LET ME NEVER BE ASHAMED. Because He knows that I have much to be ashamed of in my life. But he says that I’m a new creature in Him; I don’t have to be saddled with that old person and those poor choices. Yes, there are still consequences. There are some people out there who will always hate me, no matter how changed I am. And that’s okay. I just have to be okay with who I am today. And know that GOD is okay with me too.

Psalm 37:16

A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

This verse is a little self-check for me. I’ve struggled from time to time with a love of money, a love of material things, and wanting more. Even though I’ve discovered that some of my absolute best experiences with the Lord are when I have nothing and must rely solely on Him to see me through. There’s a powerful anointing with that kind of faith. Mostly, like many people, I’d rather trade that anointing for the assurance of having all that I need nearby! This verse helps me remember…a little is enough.

Find a few Psalms of your own to hide deep in your heart. Some reminders, some comforts, some praise…