9 Psalms to Boost Spiritual Stamina on a Sour Day

Raise your hand if you could use spiritual stamina as you face your day. Yep, me too.

Sweet and sour sauce on our chicken or pork is one thing. Days drenched in a sour sauce is another.

Bad days happen. To all of us. Some days seem to show up as magnets for mishaps and misunderstandings. That kind of day can launch us into emotional ups and downs.

As you read this, you might be flailing about in the middle of a sour day.

You are not alone. David and the others who wrote psalms knew days like that. Thankfully, God led them to record their emotional roller coaster rides in the Bible for all of us who came behind them. From pouring out their hearts to God to pondering His ways. From petition and pleading to praising God.

The book of Psalms is a go-to for me when I'm battling a bad day, a day of emotional ups and downs, trials and tests. Click To Tweet

Here are nine Psalms and truths that help bolster me on those kinds of days. I’m hoping these truths fortify your spiritual stamina.

1 Feeling alone?

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10

The Lord is faithful. He will never forsake you, never abandon you. Your part: Remind yourself of His faithfulness and trust Him.

2 Feeling burnt out, completely spent?

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28

The Lord keeps His light burning inside you and will turn your darkness into light. Your part: Rebuke the darkness and keep turning toward the Jesus to light your world.

3 Feeling anxious?

“When I said, ‘My foot is slipping.’ Your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:18-19

The Lord’s love for you will never fail you, and His compassion and comfort bring joy. Your part: Reach for Jesus, claim His word over your fear and choose faith.

4 Feeling overwhelmed?

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

The Lord will deliver you from the hold your troubles have on you. Your part: Go to the Lord for spiritual rest releasing the hard times and heartaches to Him. 

5 Feeling foolish?

“The LORD is gracious and righteous; and our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low He saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” Psalm 116:5-7

The Lord abounds in grace and is a compassionate protector. Your part: Remember the Lord’s goodness and lean into His rest and restoration.

6 Wrestling depression?

“But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:3

The Lord is your shield and will lift your head. High. Your part: Ask the Lord to shine His light into the darkness threatening to overtake you and believe He will. 

7 Feeling stuck, aimless?

“He [God] guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” Psalm 25:9

The Lord will guide the humble in doing the right thing and teach you His ways. Your part: Surrender your will and way to your righteous and good God who knows what is right for you. Trust Him to lead you.

8 Weary?

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10&12

God will purify you, give you a steadfast spirit and joy, and He will sustain you. Your part: Confess your need and accept His gift of renewal. 

9 Feeling unloved, unlovable?

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

The Lord loves you with an enduring, never ending love. Your part: Live like you believe God loves you.

Friends, I’d love to hear from you.

Is there a Psalm that is especially encouraging to you?

What practices do you use to increase your spiritual stamina?