Little Daggers from the Psalms

Little Daggers from the Psalms

The Psalms for Fighting the Spiritual Battles

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

A pithy comment or piece of writing is short, direct, and full of meaning (Collins). In the Psalms, we have many such meaningful, short phrases that are excellent weapons to carry with us throughout the day to help us fight those spiritual battles that we face. For some, it may be difficult to memorize and then recite in a moment an entire verse. But what if there was one phrase or one line that could roll off your tongue right in that moment to remind yourself of truth? The Psalms are filled with many of these kinds of phrases that are a cry to Him, reminding you of truth, setting your hope in God, and are exactly the weapon you need in the daily battle. 

I have made a list of some of these from the more recent Psalms through which we have prayed. See if there is one that would be helpful for you today. Carry it with you and repeat it to yourself throughout this day. Psalm 1:1-2 says that the one who delights and meditates on the law of the Lord is blessed. When you mutter these one-liners (sometimes 2!) to yourself, looking to Him to supply what you need through His Word, you will be blessed. Speak truth to yourself and may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). And as you read the Scriptures, keep your eyes open for these powerful statements, these little daggers, that can bolster your faith in the moments of the day where we can quickly offer up our cries to the Lord in prayer. 

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God!
Psalm 42:11

You are the God in whom I take refuge.
Psalm 43:2

Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me.
Psalm 43:3

Awake! Why are You sleeping, O Lord? 
Psalm 44:23

Rise up; come to our help!
Psalm 44:26

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
Psalm 45:6

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.
Psalm 46:1-2

Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

Sing praises! God reigns!
Psalm 47:7-8

Why should I fear in times of trouble?
Psalm 49:5

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.
Psalm 50:10

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
Psalm 50:14

Have mercy on me, O God!
Psalm 51:1

Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Psalm 51:10

I am like a green olive tree in the house of my God.
Psalm 52:8

I will wait for Your name for it is good.
Psalm 52:9

Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the upholder of my life.
Psalm 54:4

Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you.
Psalm 55:22

But I will trust in You.
Psalm 55:23

This I know, that God is for me.
Psalm 56:9

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!
Psalm 57:7

Your steadfast love is great to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds.
Psalm 57:10

Surely there is a reward for the righteous.
Psalm 58:11

Surely there is a God who judges on the earth.
Psalm 58:11

O my Strength, I will watch for You.
Psalm 59:9

My God in His steadfast love will meet me.
Psalm 59:10

Scriptures quoted from the ESV. 
Photo credit to mavrick

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