I Found a Friend in Psalms—and Comfort, Hope, and Joy

God has given me amazing friends.  

Linda was my first best friend. We shared an apartment stoop, a love of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, and an enviable collection of Barbie dolls. 

Ellen came next. Awkward in our adolescence, she and I spent hours discussing favorite books, giggling about boys, and weeping over mean girls. 

Heather was my first Christian friend. We carpooled to dental hygiene school and quizzed each other on head and neck anatomy. She modeled the faith life and spurred me on to even more Christ-like faith. 

Through the years my friends have changed. Maryann, Lisa, Mandy, and Jean now bolster my confidence in God, remind me of His faithfulness, and enrich my life. 

And yet . . .  

I have another friend—one who will share all the days of my life with me.  

One who is sweeter, wiser, and more readily available than any of my BFFs. This friend echoes my deepest feelings, comforts and consoles me, and always has just the right word at just the right time. 

Meet my friend Psalms. 

I discovered the Book of Psalms even before I became a Christian. Attracted by the beauty of its poetry, I highlighted verse after verse. Psalm 139 was one of my favorites: 

Where can I go from your Spirit? 

Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; 

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 

if I settle on the far side of the sea, 

even there your hand will guide me, 

your right hand will hold me fast. 

Psalm 139:7–10 

After I trusted Christ as Savior, I rediscovered the Psalms. I learned that not only is it a book of poetry, it’s also the nation of Israel’s ancient songbook. Like many of our songs today, the psalms capture the wide range of emotions and experiences people encounter. 

Like a true friend, the Psalms: 

Weep with Me 

Heart-wrenching psalms known as Psalms of Lament give voice to the pain, sorrow, and fear every human experiences. During times of heartbreak and despair, these psalms have reminded me that I’m not alone. They comfort me with their empathy. 

My soul is in deep anguish. 

How long, Lord, how long? 

Turn, Lord, and deliver me; 

save me because of your unfailing love. 

I am worn out from my groaning. 

All night long I flood my bed with weeping 

and drench my couch with tears. 

My eyes grow weak with sorrow; 

they fail because of all my foes. 

The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; 

the Lord accepts my prayer. 

Psalm 6:3, 4, 6, 9 

Worship with Me 

When my heart overflows with love for God, I often lack the words to do justice to His greatness, so I turn to the Book of Psalms. Many of the psalms were written as worship choruses to be sung in God’s temple or tabernacle.  

As I repeat the words of David, Solomon, and Asaph, I imagine what it was like thousands of years ago, worshiping before the Lord in His holy temple. Then I picture what it will be like to gather around God’s throne with Christians of every tribe, tongue, and nation to raise our voices in praise to Him. 

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; 

let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 

Let us come before Him with thanksgiving 

and extol Him with music and song. 

For the Lord is the great God, 

the great King above all gods. 

Psalm 95:1–3 

Thank God with Me 

Some days, my heart swells with gratitude and thanksgiving for the way God is working in my life. I think of His kindness, His faithfulness, His mercy, and His loving care. I trace His hand from before I was born to today, through times of sorrow and times of joy, and marvel at how He has provided for me. I rejoice that He saved me and uses me in His service.  

The songwriters of the Bible felt the same way, and I often borrow their words as I thank God. 

I waited patiently for the Lord; 

he turned to me and heard my cry. 

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, 

out of the mud and mire; 

he set my feet on a rock 

and gave me a firm place to stand. 

He put a new song in my mouth, 

a hymn of praise to our God. 

Many will see and fear the Lord 

and put their trust in him. 

Psalm 40:1–3 

Declare Confidence with Me 

Sometimes it’s not enough to believe something in our heart. We need to say it aloud for us and others to hear it. Giving voice to our faith helps give it life and substance.  

The psalmists did this beautifully, and I often join my voice with theirs as I stake my faith claim. God can be trusted. He will answer my prayers. He does love and care for me. 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; 

    my hope comes from him. 

Truly he is my rock and my salvation; 

    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 

My salvation and my honor depend on God; 

    he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 

Trust in him at all times, you people; 

    pour out your hearts to him, 

    for God is our refuge. 

Psalm 62:5–8 

Over the years, God has blessed me with kind friends to share my joys and sorrows. Through the gift of the psalms, He’s given me (and you) a heavenly friend to help us lament, rejoice, thank God, and declare our confidence. As we join our hearts and voices with the ancient psalmists, we take our place in the age-old chorus that worships God through the beauty of His Word. 

Which psalm grabs your heart most? Share it in the comments below so we can enjoy it with you. 

—Written by Lori Hatcher. Used by permission from the author.