Book I
The personal nature of the psalms in Book I demonstrates that all those who place their hope and trust in the Lord, aligning their lives with His kingdom, can rest in His deliverance.
Roller coasters are not my favorite. After checking and rechecking my seat restraint, the ride cranks up, and I wonder why on earth anyone puts their body in such danger. Next, I assume my position: head down, eyes squeezed shut, hands clutching the restraint. Through every up, down, twist, and turn, I hang on for dear life.
Sometimes I move through my days with a silent lump in my throat. Even though I ache to personally connect with God through the ups and downs, I can struggle to know what to say or how to say it.
In today’s passages, we witness David’s full sweep of human emotion and experience, from highs of triumphal joy to lows of desperate doubt. Through these psalms we are given a model and an invitation to express the same.
Psalm 18 begins with praise. “I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:1–2). David’s heart overflowed with joy, and he wasn’t bashful about gushing over the goodness of God. Psalm 18 resounds with words of gratefulness and confidence; it’s a celebration spoken aloud!
The tone shifts in Psalm 22 as celebration turns to desperation. “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far from my deliverance, and from my words of groaning?” (Psalm 22:1). David poured out anguish and dared to ask God why He would allow deep suffering.
He turned to the Lord with honest questions and doubts even in pain. In this we find seeds of hope and trust that God was there—even in the dark. “But you, LORD, don’t be far away. My strength, come quickly to help me” (v.19). Jesus, in history’s deadliest, darkest descent, repeated words from Psalm 22 on the cross. He, too, spoke to His Father through pain, trusting that He would resurrect hope from hopelessness, life from death.
We’re no strangers to times of darkness and confusion either. But God also meets us in the dark as He invites us to seek Him and honestly cry out.
David’s tone shifts again in Psalm 23 as he rested in God’s tender care. Even in the darkest valley, God was with him and protected him (Psalm 23:4). The mood becomes softer, more settled as he recalls God’s personal attention and provisions. “The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need” (v.1). These words express shalom—the safety, wholeness, and flourishing we experience in intimacy with God.
Remember, God’s people sung these psalms aloud. God makes space for us to unload our hearts to Him honestly and share with others. Head up, eyes open. We don’t have to silently clench our fists to move through our days. And we’re not on this ride alone.
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86 thoughts on "Hope and Trust in God"
All our emotions, fears and hopes can be brought before the lord. All our victories and eve what we perceive failures, can be brought before the Lord. We can stand uncovered, unashamed, before Him.
Amen and amen
Amen
God knows exactly what we need when we need it. The reminder of how open and honest David was with God shows me that I can have a casual conversation with God and still be called his child. It doesn’t have to be theoretical. It could just be Hey God!
“Head up. Eyes open. We don’t have to silently clench our fists to move through our days.” Amen
Head up. Eyes open. We don’t have to clench
Two very personal blows this past year. I’ve thought a thousand times I would not make it. The “cry out to God” has been my constant. He is my fortress and my stronghold. I find I have to cry out constantly or I feel like I’m sinking. This read/study is what I needed. God is always upstream. You just have to never ever take your eyes off of Him.
Amen
Amen and amen!
The Lord is my Shepard.
❤️
Don’t ride life like a rollercoaster with your hands clinched ride life with your head up and eyes opened as the lord is with us at all times!! God bless you all! God protect my baby as he starts kindergarten tomorrow be with his school and the teachers and keep them safe!
This is a wonderful explanation…..I admit I spend a lot of my life hands clenched….eyes shut…just waiting…..
@Kristen: Thank you for the recommendation on the Enduring Word commentary! I loved reading this psalm and would love to explore further.
Thank you also for your thoughts on Psalm 22 and parallels with Jesus’ anguish and torment. (Sorry, not sure if these two comments are two separate Kristens so I thought to separate them.)
@Gramsiesue: I saved your thoughts on Psalm 23, thank you! I want to dive deeper into studying David too, and other godly Biblical leaders. It’s so comforting to know that in the major trials of David’s life, he was being equipped by God for growth in character and leadership! And also to see that David had so many different emotions on his journey, just like me. :)
@Breiahna G: I can relate so much to your situation with work changes and feeling like you’re losing your “identity.” You are a precious child of God and His Word will help you to understand and see yourself as He sees you. Knowing this has brought me comfort in times of uncertainty, people pleasing and not feeling worthy or good enough. Praying for peace, reassuredness, acceptance, boldness for you as you draw closer to God and as He reveals to you who you are (and Whose you are).
@Taylor: I can relate with trying to “go it alone” and operate in my own strength. Thank you for sharing! I saved the words “God loves each and every one of us so much, He doesn’t leave us even when we leave Him.” This was a message shared in our Sunday service at a business/leadership conference.. If we have left God somewhere along our journey, where have we left Him? And to know we can go back and He will still be there, waiting patiently but also loving us – it’s so emotional to think about! Praying for you :)
@Angie Mills: Thank you for the list! Wow. I saved this to my journal. I will reference it when I feel doubtful and my faith wavers.
Praying for the other requests here also.
@Jess S, @Ashleigh H, @Meredith, @Adrienne Rutenis
I am trying to remember and trust….that just as God is for everyone else…..He is also for me.
I discovered Enduring Word today while trying to understand Psalm 18 better. I will go read this for Ch. 23 now. Thank you for recommending!
Welcome!
I’m grateful that the Creator of the universe and everything in it, is always near, in triumph and in trial. I’m grateful He hears our cries and bends down from heaven to be near, to give me His strength, to rescue, to redeem. Even in my great distress He is near. I’m so thankful for the Psalms for showing us God can handle all of our emotion and desires us to come to Him with it all.
“The Lord is my Shepherd “ in these words the Believer is taught to express his satisfaction in the care of the great Pastor of the universe, the Redeemer and preserver of men.
❤️
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. ❤️
So good to hear from you @Victoria E. I have missed you! @Ashleigh H praying for you also!
“Yet you are enthroned in the praises of Israel” amen and amen
“You stoop down to make me great.” Psalm 18:35
I just searched for a commentary on Psalm 23 and Enduring Word came up first. Please read this if you can. It’s beyond me to grasp all that Jesus endured, but this commentary tries to explain. Prayers for you all today.
Praying for the Lord to provide a Godly man for you. All in His timing.
I’ve never read through the Psalms before, and it’s not disappointing. I’ve been having to make some big life decisions, and have been feeling doubt, stress, anxiety, and worthlessness. But God meets us even in that, and it’s incredible.
Verse 21 “…You answered me!”
This cut through me as it talks about asking/begging God to be there in the hardest of hards. He is asking us to keep believing and hoping even when he feels far or hidden from us. He will always show up and always will answer us when we need him. It gives me such hope for the future and hope in his promises.
Verse 21 “…You answered me!” This cut through me as a it talks about asking begging God to be there in the hardest of hearts and knowing that we know if he feels far or hidden that he’s not but he will and always will answer us when we need him when we trust in him
Day make sense! Apparently I press enter too quickly!
@ashleigh praying for you and your IVF journey. As somebody who doesn’t have kids but has longed for them since I was a little girl I know badly it hurts to want to become a mom. While I might not struggle with IVF I have been struggling with singleness as I truly want to become a wife and mother. I hope this journey as hard as it is will
@Ashleigh praying for you and your IVF journey. As somebody who
Terri and Maureen, welcome. SRT is one thing I do daily. It helps keep you in the Word even if you are in other Bible studies. Give yourself some Grace if you miss you can catch back up.
The Psalms….When nothing is right, when everything is right, go to Psalms. When you don’t know what to pray, pray the Psalms. Thank you, Lord, for Your words and their footprint for us to follow.
I am new to SRT and honestly fairly new to reading the Bible daily, having just started (and finished!) the Exodus readings here. I haven’t been to church in nearly 15 years, have been caught up in work and school and deciding who I am, but I have slowly come to realize how much was missing. Reading about David’s tireless faith and certainty that God will provide is just the reminder and perspective I need when I become angry, fatigued, or irritated and at wit’s end with work.. it pales is comparison. Thank you to everyone who has shared their words and thoughts on all of the readings.. I love hearing what everyone has to say even though I’ve never posted . Here’s to being lead along the right paths ❤️
I have never done one of these studies before, so I kind of feel lost. I have enjoyed reading all the comments. Praying God will use this study to draw me closer to Him.
I’ve been an MRI tech for years now and I will always remember one of my most critical patients saying the LORD was her shepherd even through hard times. This will always be one of my favorites because even in the darkest times in our lives God will always be there every step of the way with us.
Where the world is now… and being surrounded by these same feelings… desperation, anguish… confusion…
I’m reminded that this is not new to God… I’M NEW!… being reminded of that in today’s reading is bringing me comfort and rest in a way I haven’t really realized before.
Ashleigh H- my prayers are with you. I went through IVF last summer it was the most difficult thing I have ever had to go through mentally. I pray that you will know God is with you at all times. Hello to everyone old and new ! I finally got a moment to get back here after a very busy season. I have no words to convey how much I needed these psalms today. Praying for the requests here. Please family if you could pray for our house to sell and for us to buy a new one where we have relocated to. Thank you !
I love the Psalms ❤️
Meredith, I will be praying that you feel God’s presence with you during the highs and lows of life. Motherhood is such a roller coaster ride . It can be so hard to even catch our breath. Know that even when we can’t feel God, he is there. ❤️ I can so relate; I am such a feeler and I always want to feel that God is walking with me through every season. Unfortunately, sometimes I don’t feel him during certain seasons.
Praying for you, Merideth! I remember the time when my children were your daughter’s age and it’s hard to find those precious times with the Lord when you can spend time waiting on His presence. He knows, so don’t ever think you need to be a better wife /mother. You are good enough, in Him. For He says “my grace is made perfect in weakness”. Just stand and see the goodness of God. Bless you, dear sister ❤️
This idea of being forsaken is definitely how I feel majority of the time. I know God is near in the difficult times but in this season of life I feel very out of touch with Him. Trying to find rest in His Word is hard when it doesn’t feel like it touches me the way it used to. Things feel so different since 2020, going through a new season of life and motherhood (my daughter is 2) it feels like a roller coaster for sure. There are good moments and they are precious but even in those moments I feel God is so distant. Just praying for peace and more of a willing heart to hear from God and to be a better wife and mother.
He is my strength and my rock! Lifting all in prayer.
I needed hear this today. I don’t know how many of you read my comment on Sunday but life for me the last week and a half has been very busy. I have reposted the comment from Sunday below.
“Today is a day of praise and joy and gladness for me — I found out yesterday my d-i-l and son are going to have a baby. She isn’t very far along and with in-vitro the first trimester is the most crucial. Prayers are greatly appreciated and needed.
I have been living at my sister’s house and with my sister for the last week. She got out of rehab Thursday. I think I mentioned Friday was not a good day but we kind of figured out why, she missed a dose of a new medicine for nerve ending/muscles. Friday she got all her doses and yesterday she was up before me and getting around just fine. Prayers still need though because the place we thought she had the price went up and she’s not sure she can afford it now.”
I need to add another prayer concern, I found out a little while ago my ex-husband’s sister died. She had cancer. She was only 62. My son and she were very close. She was his refuge when his brother died.
Be blessed and tell someone you don’t know to have a “good day”.
For it is you who light my lamp;
the Lord my God lightens my darkness. – Psalms 18:28 needed this verse today!
When I was reading today, all I could think about was my Covid test (thankfully it’s negative) if you have the book, you have to look for literary devices and reflect daily. So
TERRY, welcome to our community. May you be blessed. GRAMSIESUE and ANGIE MILLS, thank you for sharing today. Psalm 23 always gets to me, especially after a sermon by Louie Giglio. Psalm 23:2 says that He makes me rest. I am in a season of needing rest right now. I had some circumstances come up that caused me to take a week off of work. The Lord knew I needed it and He knew the reasons. I am so grateful for His wisdom and His power and His presence. Thank you to all of you sisters for sharing your heart every time. I don’t often post, but I am praying for each of you. Blessings to each of you this Tuesday.
I really liked this group of passages, it really shows all of the tones and what it looks like to trust God. Psalm 18 is triumphant, joyous, giving credit to God, and recognizing his steadfast love. The tone in Psalm 22 changes drastically. David is scared in the first half, then it almost seemed like David was beginning to bargain with God to save him, but then he gets swept up by the thoughts of his own promises to God, and the world of the future loving God and obeying him. Then psalm 23 is peaceful, accepting, truly trusting.
I feel comforted knowing that crying out in joy and hurt are both acceptable. So many have said to not cry out or question God.
Even though it was so hard. So scary and there was so much unknown. I knew and know I was not alone. 
I know You are always with my Father God! Amen and Amen!!
Praying! We lost our oldest to suicide eight years ago. It’s a devastation that cannot be described (or explained)!
Ashleigh H – I’m so sorry . Praying for you and lifting you up for comfort and wisdom.
Oh my stars! So much to dig into in the Psalms! God was equipping David for his years of service as King. David wasn’t perfect (neither are we), but he was a man after God’s own heart. He knew God’s law and obeyed it, even in very difficult circumstances. God enlarged David’s trials, and used them to enlarge David. Do we ever think of that when we are going through our own trials? I’m sure I don’t. But later, looking back I can see it. Later in life David wrote the 23rd Psalm. One that we all know well. Some new things I learned from it this morning: 1) You can’t drive sheep like cattle. They have to be led. Just as our Father leads us…possibly because we are more like sheep than we care to admit? 2) I shall not want – Jehovah Jireh – the Lord will provide; still waters – Jehovah Shalom – The Lord our peace; restores my soul – Jehovah Rophe – the Lord who heals; paths of righteousness – Jehovah Tsidkenu – the Lord our righteousness; you are with me – Jehovah Shammah – the Lord is there; presence of my enemies – Jehovah Nissi – the Lord our banner; anoint my head – Jehovah M’Kaddesh – the Lord who sanctifies. David had experienced the Lord of lords in so many ways! And so have I! So thankful this morning1 Welcome Terry. And @Adrienne Rutenis I am praying for you and your friend’s family. My nephew took his life a year ago and my sister still grieves. Such a tragedy. Hugs to all ❤️
My heart is aching as we are walking with a family through the same. This family has faced tragedy after tragedy and Psalm 22 hit home today.
@Adrienne, how absolutely devastating. Prayers for comfort from the Lord for his family and friends (including you!).
Love this as always Tina!
Listened to Same God by Elevation Worship before reading this and wooow does God know how to put your heart in the right place!
Chapter 22:26 really spoke to me this morning. “The humble will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the Lord will praise him.” Truly,
May your hearts live forever! – Psalms 22:26
David is such a great reminder that in all times, good and bad, turn to God. Praise and faith in him is what will carry us through. I pray for faith like David daily.
I feel like I am finally coming out of a hard season filled with personal trauma, vicarious trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue. During that time I realized I was fond of darkness. Stil trying to figure out why I am fond of darkness. I think it’s because it’s when I feel closest to God. ” God also meets us in the dark,” YES HE DOES. And I think it’s the most beautiful, intimate encounter we can have with Him.
Amen❤️
We just received news last night of a friends passing at his own hands. This has touched me in a real way today, proving again that the word is living and reaches out to you in times of need. I am so saddened that our friend did not feel he could turn to anyone, especially our Lord, in his time of trouble. I ask that you pray for his family and they will feel the comfort of God’s peace upon them during this time of tragedy.
This devotional was beautiful. I need this today. He is my strength, my rock, and my salvation. He protects me and helps me when I can’t help myself.
Recently a lot has changed with my work & I I have felt lost. What I seemed my “identity” was not what it had always been. Afte being in this study for only two days I can already hear the Lord telling me how nievie I was and wrong I was to put my “identity” into my work and not him. While I still feel lost and like I am searching for my self I know I am not alone. I have the good father protecting me, leading me, and shining a light on my “heart of was melting withing me”. Prayers of acceptance, reassurance, and boldness for myself today.
Great reminder we are not alone. So much missed when I have my head down, keep my head up and eyes open Lord!
After taking some time off from studying Gods Word on a daily basis, I realized how starved I’ve been. The reading this morning was like an abundant feast. Psalm 23 always brings me to a place of restfulness. I’m so grateful to know God as my place of refuge, my strength, my comforter. Praying for all to know that type of “home” in Him.
These last few months have proved challenging, but even more so because I was not relying on God for strength, provision, or deliverance. I wasn’t praying. I wasn’t crying out to Him. I wasn’t seeking Him. I was trying to muster up my own strength to handle things by myself. I think I needed these last few days to come to an end of myself so I could look up and look to the true source of my strength, My Provider, My Deliverer. He has been near to me every day, whether or not I felt it or took the time to look for Him. I loved the verses in Psalms as others have mentioned “God rescued me, because He delighted in me.” God loves each and every one of us so much, He doesn’t leave us even when we leave Him. Thankful for our faithful God, our refuge and ever-present help <3
Thank you, God for your faithfulness ❤️
Temporary jump ahead that spoke to me as I seem to constantly (like probably many of us) deal with family dynamics and personalities that make me want to scream as I figure out how to navigate situations. Verses of the day on Bible Gateway were an excerpt from Psalm 94:18-19 NKJV
18 If I say, “My foot slips,”
Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up.
19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
I need to remember to turn to and lean on His strength.
Love seeing verses that are the source of familiar worship choruses!
TINA – I always feel hugged when I read your Happy whatever day wishes ❤️
Praying through yesterday’s requests and appreciate the testimonies shared (KRISTEN, thinking about you today), SHERRY, HEATHER, MARYA KAT, KRISTINA STUMP and others.
Thank you DOROTHY for sharing the poem. Also, thank you GRAMSIESUE for reminding of the importance of our “spiritual root system” and JENNIFER LOVES JESUS for your reminder that we need to be checking in with Jesus
Welcome TERRY – you have joined a great community!
Don’t be far from me, because distress is near
and there’s no one to help. – Psalms 22:11 Man, this hit me so hard. How much emotion is in a statement like this and how much I relate. Crying out- God, please stay close! I need you. I don’t know how to even ask for help, I don’t know where to turn, but I trust in you to shield and protect me. Just stay near. This is so relevant to my life right now as we are in the midst of a storm with the health of my daughter. I have cried out so many times to God, sometimes even saying “I don’t know how to pray right now, just know that I need you.” And he hears me. He is working. God is good.
God is faithful whether people are or not. He loves me unconditionally. He will always be there for me when I call out.
I love the passion in the scriptures we read today! There is no question that the Lord is with him. I love the depth of the relationship. I want that. I want to be that close to my savior. ❤️
This study feels like a feast! Like, just gorging myself on all of God’s goodness. I love it!!!
I can hope & trust in God because:
-He delivers me.
-He is with me in my suffering.
-He cares for me.
I can hope & trust in God because He:
-Is my strength.
-Is my rock.
-Is my fortress.
-Is my deliverer.
-Is my God.
-Is my shield.
-Is the horn of my salvation.
-Is my stronghold.
-Is all-powerful.
-Hears my cries.
-Is compassionate.
-Is my support.
-Rescues me.
-Is just.
-Rewards those who follow His ways.
-Illuminates my path.
-Is perfect.
-Is pure.
-Is humble.
-Lives.
-Is my salvation.
-Is worthy of praise.
-Is holy.
-Is trustworthy.
-Is faithful.
-Provides for my needs & cares.
-Hears my cries.
-Answers my prayers.
-Worthy of honor & reverence.
-Rules & reigns.
-Is righteous.
-Satisfies my deepest needs & longings.
-Leads & guides me.
-Is with me.
-Protects me.
-Comforts me.
-Blesses me.
I also loved the two verses that said that God saves me because He delights in (PS 18:19b) and takes pleasure in (PS 22:8) me. It is astounding that Almighty God delights in & takes pleasure in people who easily stray from Him & His ways. He loves us. He loved us when we were His enemies and wanted nothing to do with Him. He loved us when we were His enemies & gave Him no thought. He loves us now when we are His friends & we still choose to go our own way, thoughtless & heedless of His ways. Lord, forgive me! Thank You that You continue to lead me & guide me in the way I should go. Continue to renew my mind & my heart. Help me to meditate on Your word throughout the day. Give me the strength to hope & trust in You at all times. Amen!
A good reminder that we can all be all over the place in our faith and it’s honestly ok. Just to as long as we know that God is there – whether our dependence is truly showing or not, in the end He will come through. I think it can help with the guilt of not feeling like we have it all together because we don’t have to – God always does.
Father, You are with me to the end of time and eternity. Thank You. Amen
Thank you!
❤️
Thankful God is with me in my highs and lows. That He is always listening & I can trust in Him. Praying for all requests this morning.
When reading Psalm 22 I think of the unfathomable anguish Jesus endured and was in. I remember a day that I was so thirsty about 8 years ago that I still remember that day. I was in the car and didn’t have access to a drink and it was going to take a lot to quench my thirst once I was drinking. I think about how the Psalm says, “My strength is dried up like baked clay; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.” I seriously felt desperate to drink that day. Thirst was only one aspect of what He went through! Now to try to imagine being unlawfully arrested, going through unjust trials to stand before sinful, pompous men while being shoved from one to the next through the night. (Wouldn’t we want to scream for justice and defend ourselves? He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, yet He opened not His mouth.) He was betrayed by a companion that He spent years with. (Some of us have been betrayed, but He knows betrayal way more than we have ever.) He was rejected, abandoned, beaten, mocked, spat upon, and shamed. We can’t comprehend the full depths of His physical pain and I’m thinking His mental torment too mean while taking the full wrath of God for a sinful, unworthy, undeserving people. That alone should bring us to our knees in amazement and gratitude!
I think about a man that had been in a life of crime that came to our church to speak. He had identity in his gang and these men. He went to prison and was reading the Bible. I’m paraphrasing him, but he said that he realized Jesus was a real man, a real hero. He was astonished by His strength. An encounter with Jesus can change someone that you may never think would repent and follow. What a beautiful, wonderful, amazing Savior! Hallelujah and praise to His Name!
“[God] rescued me because he delighted in me.”
It can be shocking to think the Lord of all seen and unseen even notices me, let alone “delights” in me.
Welcome TERRY!
I am thankful that no matter what season or emotional state I am in, God is here with me in both. He has proven himself faithful in the past, and he will always be faithful. I can bring him my joy and my sorrow, and he LISTENS. I am so grateful for his constant presence and provision.
I love the Psalms! My go to prayers when life throws me lemons…❤
Pattie Sauls, thank you for this. So good and truth filled❤
I have learned through the storms of my life, the ups and downs, the joys and the heartbreaks, this journey, that God is near. Nearer than I could ever imagine..
In every, every circumstance.. He is closer than my skin is to my bones..
He journeys with me, I may think that life has let me down…
BUT GOD..
Through the thick and thin of the journey we call life, He has been my shepherd, my rock, my guide, my strength, my hope.. funny thing is, even when I didn’t know it, He was ever present… the stable in this not so stable life..!
I love you Lord..
May my actions, words and deeds, Lord, always point to you, who first love me..
AMEN..
Happy Tuesday my beautiful SRT Family, so preciously wrapped in love and prayers..❤