Often when we wake up in the morning, our minds can already start racing before our feet even touch the floor. Hearts burdened, spirits heavy, worry begins to creep in before we’ve fully started our day. There’s so much in this life we can feel anxious about, even when we know truth and believe God’s in control. Fear can be a daily battle, and we may wrestle with feeling great pressure under the weight of responsibilities we’re carrying.
If you’ve found yourself there recently, especially in the midst of this global Coronavirus pandemic, here’s hope from God’s word. The Psalms offer countless verses of real-life struggles and prayers for God’s peace and covering. No matter what we may be facing today, we can choose to set our hearts and minds on His truth, believing that He’s with us and giving us strength every step of the way.
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From Psalm 23 - This beautiful Psalm reminds us that God is our constant, caring Shepherd and faithful Guide. In Him alone do we have hope, both in this life and through eternity:
“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; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:1-6
Dear God,
Thank you that you are our good Shepherd and we can trust you with our lives. We’re so grateful for your leadership and Sovereignty, for your guidance and care in all our days. Thank you that you restore our souls, give us peace, and bring us hope in all our tomorrows. Your protection and strength surround us like a shield, and we never have to fear. Thank you for your goodness and love that follows after us, chases us, even when we’re unaware. In you alone is true rest and peace. We praise you for the assurance that we will dwell with you forever.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
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From Psalm 91 - This powerful Psalm has often been referred to the as the 9-1-1 call to God, the one we frequently go to when praying for God’s protection and help in time of need:
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”… He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart… For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways… “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:1-2, 4, 11, 14-16)
Dear God,
Thank you for your presence with us, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. The fear we’re facing seems insurmountable. We don’t even know what to do anymore, we feel confused and uncertain about the future. We wonder sometimes if you’re really listening. Life seems to have taken us so far away. Please help us to come back to you. Bring us safely under the shelter of your wings. Thank you that you alone are our fortress; we find protection and rest in you today.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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From Psalm 51 – When we’re desperate for the Lord’s grace and mercy, we can trust that His ears are open to our cries for His help. He draws us to Himself, He desires our hearts to be right with Him. And in this prayerful Psalm, we receive great hope and reassurance that God does draw near to those who draw near to Him in repentance and truth:
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love, according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions… Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me… The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51: 1, 10-12, 17)
Dear God,
Thank you for your forgiveness, for your great love and mercy over our lives. We need you today, and every day. We ask that you would create in us a clean heart, renew a steadfast spirit within us, that we might follow after you all the days of our lives. Fill us with your joy, Lord God, restore our hearts, refresh our spirits. Thank you that you are close to the brokenhearted, you hear our prayers and you promise to be with us always.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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From Psalm 121 - This Psalm is a hope-filled reminder that we can fully depend on God for help, that He is constantly watching over us, protecting our coming and going:
“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. The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:1-8
Dear God,
Thank you that you go before us and cover us from behind. Thank you that you are in our midst, and our future is secure in the place you’re preparing for us. We choose faith over fear today. We choose to set our eyes on you and not on our circumstances. We choose joy over despair. We choose peace over worry. Silence the lies of the enemy over us. Give us the awareness we need to step over his traps. We trust you to protect our way and bring us safely through the trials we’re facing.
Your words bring hope to our souls and comfort to our hearts. Remind us of your strength today, in us, through us. May we see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as we seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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From Psalm 46 - No matter what we face, God holds the final victory, and we can trust Him in the midst of all that may be happening around us. This Psalm calls us to live free from fear, to seek after a quiet and secure confidence in our God, who alone is able to save:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging… God is within her, she will not fall, God will help her at break of day… The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress… Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:1-3, 5, 7, 10
Dear God,
We long for your presence and peace again, we’re struggling with worry and fear. We trust that your power is far greater than the difficulties we’re up against today. We believe that you are mighty and that you’re bigger than this storm. Thank you that you promise to be our refuge and strength in times of trouble. We ask you for a miracle right now and depend on you as never before.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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From Psalm 27 - This beautiful Psalm reminds us of the truth that God is our help and stronghold in this life. He gives us all we need to face each day and offers hope for the future, too. Choosing to trust our God who never changes can help us overcome the fear and battles we face today:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid… I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:1, 13-14
Dear God,
Thank you that you see the big picture, that you know far more than we’re even aware of. We trust you in that. We pray for your will to be done and not our own. We choose to find rest and joy in you today. Thank you for your goodness and favor over our days. Thank you that you give us great hope and purpose for our future. We lay it all down before you, again. We wait for you, we find our strength in you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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From Psalm 103 - There’s great power in choosing to set our hearts and minds on Christ; offering Him praise for who He is and the way He’s at work in our lives. He forgives our sins. He heals our diseases. He redeems our lives from the pit. He crowns us with love and compassion. He satisfies us with good things and renews us. He is compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love. Remembering God’s promises, and choosing to praise Him and trust His Sovereignty, is the first step towards finding hope in your day:
"Praise the Lord, O my soul… who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your life with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s... The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love… for as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him, as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us..." Psalm 103:1-22
Dear God,
Thank you, that no matter what we may be up against, your promises stand true. Often, when we’re facing hard seasons, it may seem easier to complain about everything than to offer you praise. Yet all of these verses remind us again of all we can be thankful for. Your lasting truths never change based on how we’re doing day by day, or what we may be walking through at any certain time. You are a sure foundation. You are compassionate and gracious, your love for us is so great. Thank you for your forgiveness and the blessings you’ve given us in our lives. We love you Lord.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Trust Him today. He knows all that concerns us, He understands, and He cares.
Peace
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog www.debbiemcdaniel.com.
This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Serenity Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Irish Blessings & Prayers
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for God’s Help
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer for Strength
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