In my darkest times, I’ve found comfort in the Psalms. I love how the Psalmists don’t wallow in their despair. Instead, they turn to God for comfort and strength.
Last week, I shared this in our Bible study. It was in response to a question about comforting someone after a breakup. My experience and theological background helped me share the best Psalms for the brokenhearted.
That discussion inspired this article, where I share the Psalms to soothe a broken heart.
7 Best Psalms to read for the brokenhearted
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
David composed this when he pretended to be insane, and Abimelek, the Philistine king, sent him away. He was fleeing persecution from Saul. In this verse, he declares that God is close to the brokenhearted.
This Psalm encourages you that God draws closer when you’re in distress. Additionally, it teaches you to praise God even in your sorrow.
Psalm 41:4
“I said, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you.'”
David begs for mercy because of his sin. This Psalm is perfect if you’re sad about your sin. David faced the consequences of his sin in the form of sickness.
His enemies kept mocking him, so he turned to God. This Psalm teaches the value of repentance.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
This Psalm was instrumental in helping Martin Luther during the Bubonic plague. He and his wife stayed to preach and care for the sick at the risk of losing their son.
The Psalmist here declares that God is your refuge and stronghold. Martin Luther’s experience inspired the hymn “A mighty fortress is our God.”
Use this Psalm when faced with a dire and desperate situation that leaves you hopeless and sad.
Psalm 55:1-4
“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger. My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me.”
David describes the pain of betrayal. His friends turned on him when he needed them the most. David turned to God for help.
This Psalm is perfect if you’re facing betrayal from friends and family. It encourages you to look to God, who will never fail you.
Psalm 56:8-9
“Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record? Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.”
David composed this Psalm when the Philistines captured him in Gath. As a prisoner of war, David was afraid and distressed. He declared that God stores his tears and will remember his sorrow and pain.
This Psalm is perfect if you’re facing persecution. God will remember your pain and strengthen you through the trials.
Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Asaph declares that though his heart and flesh may fail, God remains his strength and portion. He was upset because the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer.
This Psalm encourages you not to despair, even if you suffer unjustly. Like Asaph, rely on God for strength.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
The Psalmist declares that God heals the wounded and brokenhearted. This Psalm of praise comforts those grieved by their sin with the promise that God will restore them.
Matthew Henry applies this Psalm to those who are repentant about their sin.
Can you read these Psalms for someone after a breakup?
Yes. You can read these Psalms to someone after a breakup. Breakups create sorrow and despair. These Psalms remind them about God’s faithfulness, even when those they love disappoint them.
How do you use these Psalms to heal a broken heart?
Praying through these Psalms can help you during the healing process. They remind you of God’s love and faithfulness. Reading and meditating on these Psalms also helps heal a broken heart.
It’s comforting when you know you aren’t alone in your pain.
As a theologian, I have always been curious to learn more about the Christian Faith. That is why I pursued a Certificate in Christian Studies, Certificate in Christian Foundations and a Masters in Theology. I also have an immersive experience in editing for numerous websites. I have worked as an editor for over a decade and am currently the editor-in-chief at Christian Faith Guide. I enjoy working as an editor and feel privileged to share my expertise and help spread God’s word. You can read more about me on the about us page.
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