As far back as before joining theology school, I have always read the bible whenever faced with temptation; my expertise in tackling temptation using the scripture is just superb.
Recently, I met an old friend who claimed to be critically faced with temptations that hindered him from advancing spiritually.
Upon sharing with him several scriptures from the book of Psalms, focused on addressing temptations, you could spot the relief on his face.
His request for more Psalms to read for temptations informed my urge to compile this article for people in similar circumstances.
5 Psalms to read for temptation
Psalm 141
“I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.”
With only ten verses in the psalm, the author of this psalm precisely asks God for protection against temptation and participation in evil.
In verse four, David asks God not to let his heart be drawn to what is evil so that he participates in evil with the wicked. You can use the psalm to pray for God’s protection against temptations and guidance from his anointed ones.
Psalm 119:9-11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
The psalmist in this verse addresses God, telling him how he managed to stay on the path of sanctity. He states that he upholds his purity by living according to God’s word, hiding it within his heart, and seeking God with all his heart.
You can use these three brief verses to uphold purity and avoid temptations.
Psalm 97:10-11
“Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.”
Verses ten and eleven of Psalm 97 instruct believers to hate evil, specifically those who are sure they love the Lord.
Equally, the scripture states the benefits of upholding one’s purity, including but not limited to being guarded by God and delivered from the hands of the wicked.
Thus, you can use the scripture to warn others to abhor evil and, at the same time, enhance their love of the Lord.
Psalm 91:14-15
“Because he loves me, says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.'”
In these verses, the bible guarantees God’s people that he will rescue and protect them for acknowledging his name. Verse fifteen assures believers that whenever they call unto the Lord, he will answer, be with them in trouble, and deliver them in tempting circumstances.
Therefore, you can use the verses to encourage yourself and other Christians to call upon the Lord when tempted, to be aided to navigate through the temptation.
Psalm 37:4-6
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”
In conformity with most Psalm scriptures to overcome temptations, verses four to six of Psalm 37 assure believers of numerous benefits provided they commit their ways to the Lord and avoid temptations on their path of purity.
You can use this scripture to motivate your adherence to God’s purity, to inherit the promises made.
How do you use these Psalms to overcome temptation?
Since the Psalms are part of God’s sacred word, some Christians believe proclaiming them at the advent of temptation will invite God’s intervention into the situation.
For instance, you can opt to delight in God as instructed in Psalms 37:4 to be worthy of the attached benefit, where all your heart desires will be fulfilled.
However, you should strive to be righteous before God, as only the faithful ones will benefit from God’s promises.
Can you read these Psalms for someone else?
Of course, yes. You can read the Psalms to other parties to motivate them to overcome temptations. However, some Christians believe that the subject must also be a believer for the Psalms to have a rational basis to be effective in their lives.
From such a believer’s perspective, you must usher the subjects into Christianity before using God’s promises on them.
As a Christian, I have always been passionate about sharing God’s word with young people. This inspired me to pursue a Certificate in Christian Education, an Undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Graduate degree in Theology. My knowledge in school and experience from dealing with the youth made me an expert at discussing Christian-related topics. I feel privileged working as the Coordinator of the Christian Youth Ministry at Christian Faith Guide. You can read more about me on the about us page.
Related posts:
7 Best Psalms to Read for a Broken Heart (Psalms Prayers for the Brokenhearted)
5 Best Psalms to read when you are suffering (Psalms prayers to comfort the suffering)
What is the best Psalms to read in the morning? (7 best Psalms to read in the morning for a good day)
5 psalms to read for opening prayers (psalms prayers to use as opening prayers)