Read Psalm 28:1-9.

Like many of us today, David battled discouragement. As a young man, he lived in the shadow of his older brothers. Later, after his anointing, David caught the ire of King Saul, who spent years trying to kill him. When he finally became king, David’s own family was such a mess that he found himself on the run once again. So, yes, David knew discouragement!

In Psalm 28, David gives us a roadmap for dealing with discouragement. You see, he didn’t wallow in his pain or feel sorry for himself. He brought it to God and dealt with it. He says, “To you, Lord, I call” (Psalm 28:1). In confidence, David came boldly before God with his request. This confidence, of course, didn’t come from anything David had done. Rather, David’s confidence was in God Himself. That’s why he calls the Lord “my Rock” (v. 1). David’s world might have been falling apart—but not the Rock. No matter what is happening in your life, God is the Rock that does not move—He is invincible; He is immutable.

Next, David presents his reasoned case to God: “Do not drag me away with the wicked, . . . Repay them for their evil deeds and for their evil work; . . .” (vv. 3-4). David asks the Lord to bring justice to his situation. Now, our culture struggles with these words, considering them judgmental, but the Bible is clear: Godly people call evil “evil” and sin “sin” (see Isaiah 5:20). You see, David’s request is not based on his self-righteousness—not even the rightness of his cause—but on the character of God. In fact, at the beginning of this psalm, David approaches God for help. He confesses his need for God’s mercy; he prays that God would protect him from being dragged away with the wicked, but he wants to see justice done. Likewise, we need to pray that God would raise up godly leaders who will administer justice.

Finally, David rejoices: “Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy” (Psalm 28:6). We can have confidence that if we are praying according to His will, God will answer (see 1 John 5:14-15). And we also know that God works all things for our good (see Romans 8:28). So, when we come to Him with our discouragement, we can leave it there with Him and depart rejoicing!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for David’s example of dealing with discouragement. I rejoice in Your faithfulness. Help me to bring my disappointments to You, trusting in Your justice and grace. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me” (Psalm 28:1).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Encouraging Words in Discouraging Times, Part 1: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW

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