When Hope Feels Lost: 5 Powerful Psalms to Anchor Your Soul
4. Psalm 69: When You’re Drowning in Shame
“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.” (v.1)
I never understood this Psalm until I became that mom—the one with the kid screaming obscenities in Target. My son’s autism meltdowns drew stares, whispers, and one lady’s “I’d never let MY child act like that.” I’d rush home, lock the bathroom door, and choke out Psalm 69: “I am worn out calling for help… those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head.” (v.3-4)
My shame-busting move:
I printed v.29-30 and taped it to my dashboard:
“I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.”
Now, when judgmental stares pierce me:
- I hum “Way Maker” under my breath
- Whisper “You see us, Jesus”
- Buy myself a Starbucks cake pop (because shame hates sugar)
Try this:
- Rewrite your “failure resume”: List your worst moments (mine included “Cussed at pastor during IEP meeting”). Then write Psalm 69:33 over it: “The Lord hears the needy.” Burn or bury it.
- Text another “drowning” parent: “No judgment here. Want to ugly-cry in my minivan?”
