And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 

Psalm 77:10 NKJV  

 

When we’re discouraged, we can express our thoughts and worries to God and trust that he hears, listens, and cares. Focusing on the good he has already done in our lives helps lift our spirits and sustain our hearts. 

We’ve all woken up on the wrong side of the bed. Maybe you’ve spilled coffee on your clothes on the way to work, had a technological issue that threatened to ruin your day, missed an early-morning meeting due to traffic, or had an argument with a friend. Maybe it was something deeper – a loved one has cancer, your friend is struggling with their marriage, or you’re overwhelmed with everything on your plate. Often, the bigger issues can make the smaller issues seem even bigger because our capacity for problems is only so large. 

The writers of the Psalms felt frustrations, just like you. Though technology may not have played a part in their struggles, they had family issues, friendship problems, daily inconveniences, and deeper concerns. The writer of Psalm 77 expresses his disappointment and sadness, but then, in verses 10-11, proclaims that he will remember the works of God, and the Psalm pivots from his declaration of despair to a proclamation of praise. Many Psalmists voiced their feelings to God and trusted he would listen to their cries for help. Whether you’re feeling frustrated, discouraged, or sad, the Psalms can help provide encouragement and perspective for your life. 

Here are seven different Psalms to help you today. 

  1. You’re exhausted and can’t handle one more problem. 

I am worn out, O Lord; have pity on me!
Give me strength; I am completely exhausted. – Psalm 6:2 

Read the whole chapter: Psalm 6 

  1. You’re scared because your company is laying off employees. 

Even if I go through the deepest darkness,
I will not be afraid, Lord,
for you are with me.
Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me.” – Psalm 23:4 

Read the whole chapter: Psalm 23 

  1. You were overruled during an important meeting. 

“Lord, I have given up my pride
and turned away from my arrogance.
I am not concerned with great matters
or with subjects too difficult for me.
Instead, I am content and at peace.
As a child lies quietly in its mother’s arms,
so my heart is quiet within me.” – Psalm 131:1-2 

Read the whole chapter: Psalm 131 

  1. A coworker or friend gossiped about you. 

“If it were an enemy making fun of me,
I could endure it;
if it were an opponent boasting over me,
I could hide myself from him.
But it is you, my companion,
my colleague and close friend.” – Psalm 55:1-2 

Read the whole chapter: Psalm 55 

  1. You feel abandoned by God. 

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
I have cried desperately for help,
but still it does not come.
During the day I call to you, my God,
but you do not answer;
I call at night,
but get no rest.” – Psalm 22:10-11 

Read the whole chapter: Psalm 22 

  1. You feel guilty for treating someone badly. 

“From the depths of my despair I call to you, Lord.
Hear my cry, O Lord;
listen to my call for help!
If you kept a record of our sins,
who could escape being condemned?
But you forgive us,
so that we should stand in awe of you.” – Psalm 130:1-4 

Read the whole chapter: Psalm 130 

  1. Someone treats you unfairly. 

 ”You are a righteous God
and judge our thoughts and desires.
Stop the wickedness of evildoers
and reward those who are good.” – Psalm 7:9 

Read the whole chapter: Psalm 7