6 Psalms for Veterans and Military Appreciation Month

Religion and faith can bring peace and clarity to those facing difficulties in their lives, jobs and beliefs. Through the most challenging times, relying on a higher power helps you interpret the world around you and gain valuable insight into making a positive impact. In the most trying times, it gives you and many others the strength to push forward. 

Religion can keep hope and love alive for veterans and military members. Many interact with their religious beliefs through quotes and psalms. Psalms for veterans remind many of their goals and that their impact makes a difference for their country. 

Psalms originate from the Book of Psalms and are composed of religious hymns. Many religions use psalms and can interpret their messages for their values and beliefs. However, the goal is to acknowledge difficult questions and liberate many from the idea that God cannot handle tough questions. 

A common misconception is that psalms are only for specific religions. However, that is not the case. Many veterans may look to them to restore hope and get through difficult situations.

Who you are, what you experience and what you want to accomplish all play a role in interpreting a psalm. A different kind of illumination can happen when a psalm is read repeatedly and you grow and learn about your faith and wisdom. Psalms encourage veterans and other heroes to maintain strength, growth and a positive mindset while serving their country. 

Veterans and Religion

Whether you served during war or peacetime, maintaining healthy values and beliefs helps create a sense of hope and a positive outlook. In 2023, roughly 78% of veterans served during wartime and experienced active combat. Seeing and reliving war is a trauma that only other veterans can understand. However, statistics prove that spiritually integrated mental health care improves functional outcomes and helps reduce the risk of PTSD and other psychological and physical health issues.

May is Military Appreciation Month — a time to honor veterans, military members and their families. The best way to celebrate your service to the United States is through reading psalms that support and encourage you to overcome tough challenges in and out of the line of duty. 

Psalms for Veterans

It is essential to understand the famous psalms that support and honor the service of yourself and other veterans. Psalms that inspire and encourage veterans include:

1. Psalm 29:11

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11 illuminates the strength the Lord provides to his believers. Through the eyes of a veteran, you can connect this psalm to the strength of past, present and future military members. God gives strength to those who enter the U.S. branches and are experiencing stress from temporary housing or exposure to violence. Through this strength, you and all veterans can fight and achieve peace for your country and those within it.

2. Psalm 116:5-6

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 

The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me. 

Military members can interpret this psalm as saying God forgives those who enter dangerous and violent situations. It is common for military members to hurt others while fighting for freedom. However, this psalm reminds you and others that God will save those at their lowest point and forgive those who commit dangerous and sinful acts.

3. Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid. 

What can mere mortals do to me?

Whether you are in active combat or serving your country behind the scenes, it is understandable to be nervous about the state of the nation and your role in protecting it. This psalm reassures veterans that, during difficult moments, putting their trust in God will lead them to the right decision and alleviate their fears. 

4. Psalm 33:20-22

We wait in hope for the Lord, he is our help and our shield. 

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

It isn’t easy to put your life on the line when serving your country, even during peacetime. However, this psalm indicates that through the most difficult times, veterans, regardless of whether they are on active duty or not, can trust in the Lord. God will protect them from the darkest and most dangerous of times. 

5. Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 

It is essential to remember this psalm as you try to find mental and physical strength when dealing with the emotional and physical turmoil of active duty. Psalm 46:1 refers to God as your strength and guidance when trouble is near. This is an impactful message to veterans as they deal with finding their strength to go into combat and deal with the emotional consequences afterward. This psalm also empowers veterans to recognize that their mental and physical health are connected, causing issues during and after combat. 

6. Psalm 107:29

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 

According to Psalm 107:29, the Lord can help alleviate stressors through your faith. He can remove the fear and doubt surrounding you. This psalm is vital for veterans dealing with the repercussions of their military experience. Though your internal storm may continue, faith in God will give you resilience and peace through hardships. 

Trusting God and Supporting the Military 

Serving your country is an honorable decision that can include many hardships. However, as you continue your journey through active duty and retirement, supporting yourself and your military decisions through faith and inspiration is vital. 

Turning to your faith and psalms is a great way to put your trust in your beliefs and values if you are lost trying to find continuous support. Carrying the weight of protecting your country is a stress only those who have gone through a similar experience will understand. However, by finding trust and comfort in the Lord, you can interpret these psalms to provide yourself with the best support possible.