Psalms under Stress

This week has been crazy stressful. There has been so much to do, and so many other things going on in my life. I'm trying to sort out so much and get all my schoolwork done. Tonight I just have a lot going on. I feel distracted, tired, and spiritually low. So in an effort to restore my spirits I looked up a Psalm to make me feel better.

This year my home church did a whole series on 1 Samuel. I enjoyed the lessons, learning of David and all his trials. I have to say that my small complaints are puny in comparison to the things David had to overcome. Even so I appreciate this prayer of helplessness from David while I feel in a similar (but obviously less concerning) situation.

So below is the psalm number I randomly picked out. And below that is my own psalm I'm writing to try to calm myself and focus on my schoolwork. I encourage any of you feeling stressed to try the same technique. It's  helpful. Read the words of those who came before you and survived their trials, and then pour out your soul to God in the same manner.

Psalm 57

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

¹ Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
    until the disaster has passed.

² I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.
³ He sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

⁴ I am in the midst of lions;
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

⁵ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

⁶ They spread a net for my feet—
    I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.

⁷ My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
⁸ Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

⁹ I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
¹⁰ For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

¹¹ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

 


Psalm of Emily while in the midst of schoolwork and struggles
Oh God you are great
I need your greatness with me now
I am helpless Lord
Though I think I am fully capable
Every time I try to walk I stumble.
I need your hand to guide me
I need your words to be mine
I need your wisdom to make me wise.
Oh God! You are mighty and powerful
You created the mornings, and the night
You spoke and the world responded
With your mightiness you have moved mountains
And with it I know you can move me.
Make me passionate for the things around me
Destroy the sin which imprisons me
And help me to rise above that which holds me back.
Create healthy friendships God
Ones that will encourage me, make me stronger
Give me friends who are full of your spirit 
Who can fill me also
Strike down those who oppress me
Fill them with awe of your holiness
And turn their hearts to you.
Let me find forgiveness for those who have hurt me
And daily proclaim your name in spite of pain.
God you are magnificent
The angels and saints cry out your name
Allow me to do so also.
Let me be a light in the darkness
A smaller version of your brilliant sun.
God I love you, and proclaim you
As guide of my life!