A Prayer about Finding Joy When Life Is a Struggle

Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him.

Psalm 64:10

Saving God,

Thank you for calling us to rejoice, 

even when we’re under attack.

My Bible reading plan took me today to Psalms 63-68, 

many of them authored by David 

when he was being chased by Saul 

or being attacked by other enemies. 

Amazingly, he didn’t cry out, 

“Oh poor me, everyone hates me, 

and I’m going to die.” 

Instead, he professed his hope 

that you would save him. 

He cried honestly for help, lamenting the trials he was experiencing. 

He remembered your past help 

and proclaimed his confident hope 

that you will help again. 

As we recite some of the words David first penned,

strengthen our hope, 

increase our faith, 

and send us out out in joy at your salvation:

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; 

my soul thirsts for you; 

my flesh faints for you, 

as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, 

and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 

when I remember you upon my bed, 

and meditate on you in the watches of the night;

For you have been my help, 

and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy” (Psalm 63:5-7).

“The pastures of the wilderness overflow, 

the hills gird themselves with joy” (Psalm 65:12).

“Shout for joy to God, all the earth; 

sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! 

Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! 

So great is your power 

that your enemies come cringing to you.’” (Psalm 66:1-2). 

“God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered….

But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; 

they shall be jubilant with joy!” (Psalm 68:3).

In Jesus’ joy-giving name. Amen.

Read any of Psalms 63-68.