A reader asked for Psalms that speak to God’s protection and guidance. She and her adult daughter live an ocean apart, and despite the distance and different time zones, her daughter calls her every night. She prays for her daughter every day, and sends her verses of encouragement from the Bible.

Her comment made me think of my own mother, who would hand-write and mail a letter to me every week when my husband and I were far away at seminary. Then another once or twice a week, she would send me newspaper or magazine clippings with her own comments in the margin. “I can’t believe this!” “Interesting!” And always “love, Mom.” Before the age of internet and free long-distance phone calls, she made good use of the postal service to stay in touch.

Below are some of my favourite verses of Scripture that speak of God’s protection and guidance. In each case, I’ve included links to the whole psalm, since the verses are best read in context that give a larger picture of God’s love and care for us.

One of the most well-known passages of the Bible:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
    he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.

Psalm 23:1–3

Refuge from troubles of the heart:

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    for I am lonely and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart,
    and bring me out of my distress.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
    and forgive all my sins.

O guard my life and deliver me;
    do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

Psalm 25:16–18, 20

A song of thanks for God’s deliverance:

Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me!
    O Lord, be my helper!

You have turned my mourning into dancing;
    you have taken off my sackcloth
    and clothed me with joy,
 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Psalm 30:10–12

A prayer for protection and guidance:

Incline your ear to me;
    rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
    a strong fortress to save me.
You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
    for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.

Psalm 31:2–3

An affirmation of God’s help:

Surely, God is my helper;
    the Lord is the upholder of my life.

Psalm 54:4

A strong tower against any enemy:

Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I,
for you are my refuge,
    a strong tower against the enemy.

Let me abide in your tent forever,
    find refuge under the shelter of your wings.

Psalm 61:2–4

God’s presence protects and guides:

I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will receive me with honor.

But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    to tell of all your works.

Psalm 73:23–24, 28

A promise in trying times:

Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
    the Most High your dwelling place,
no evil shall befall you,
    no scourge come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.

Psalm 91:9–11

A pray for protection from violence:

Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers;
    protect me from those who are violent.

Psalm 140:1

God’s protection and guidance day and night and forevermore: 

The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day
    nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time on and forevermore.

Psalm 121

Please leave a comment: Which of these Scripture verses most resonate with you today? What verses of God’s protection and guidance would you add?