10 Best Psalms about Addiction (Psalms Prayers to Help an Addict Recover)

I’ve always enjoyed reading the Psalms because of their applicability in different scenarios. So, when someone from our Bible study group asked how to use them to pray for recovering addicts, I was more than happy to help.

Using my theological background, I curated and shared a list of Psalms he could use to pray for addicts. That conversation inspired me to share the best Psalms to help addicts recover.

10 Best Psalms about addiction

Psalm 30:1-3

“I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.”

David thanks God for saving him. He declares that God lifted him from the pit and didn’t let his enemies gloat over him. For addicts, this prayer expresses their faith in God’s salvation.

Psalm 34:17-18

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

The Psalmist declares that God is close to the broken-hearted and delivers them from their trouble. This message gives hope to those who think God doesn’t care about their plight. It encourages them to draw closer to God in prayer.

Psalm 37:5-6

“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.”

The Psalmist challenges you to trust God and commit your ways to him. He reassures you that God will lead you into righteousness.

This advice works for anyone struggling with an addiction.

Psalm 40:1-3

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”

David praises God for saving him from a dark and helpless situation. This Psalm encourages the addict that God can save them from the worst of places and restore what was lost. The Psalm teaches them to be patient and trust in the Lord.

Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

David asks God to create a clean heart in him. This prayer is helpful for those who want to overcome addiction. It helps them identify the patterns of sin that led to addiction and asks God to conform their desires to His.

Psalm 62:1-2

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

The Psalmist declares his faith and confidence in the Lord. He fully surrenders to Him as the source of his strength and salvation.

This prayer helps addicts recognize their helplessness in that situation and, like David, turn to God for help.

Psalm 73:26

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Asaph admits that his strength fails him, but God remains steadfast. It’s a prayer of encouragement to those struggling with an addiction.

The Psalm encourages them to stay strong by relying on God, not their willpower and strength.

Psalm 91:15-16

“He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

God promises to answer and help the person who loves Him. This Psalm offers hope to the recovering addict who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior. He learns to confidently approach God and present his struggles.

Psalm 107:19-20

“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”

This Psalm teaches that God identifies with those in trouble. He hears their cry and sends His word to help them. The Psalm encourages addicts that God understands what they’re going through and will send help.

Psalm 119:133

“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”

This Psalmist prays that God would direct his steps according to His word so sin won’t overpower him. This prayer is perfect for former addicts trying to live righteous lives.

It helps them recognize the power of sin and the possibility of a relapse.

What is a good Psalms to read for an addict in recovery?

Psalm 30:1-3 is a good Psalm for those in recovery. It expresses faith that God will help them during the process. David penned it down after God rescued him.

Most addicts can relate to this since addiction feels like a dark pit. The Psalm helps them trust that God will save them the way He saved David.

What is a good Psalms to read to overcome addiction?

Psalm 107:20 is a good Psalm to read when trying to overcome an addiction. It reminds you of God’s closeness when you are in trouble.

Additionally, the Psalm encourages you with the fact that Jesus identifies with your struggle and will help you.

How to use Psalms to overcome addiction

The principles of Lectio Divina work when using the Psalms to overcome addiction. Lectio Divina helps you read and meditate on God’s word. Here’s how to apply it to overcoming addiction.

1. Select a Psalm. It’s advisable to set aside time every day for this. You can use a devotional or lectionary.
2. Read and meditate. Take time to read the Psalm and meditate on its message.
3. Respond in prayer. Incorporate the words of the Psalm in your prayer. Ask God to help you overcome your addiction and lead you down a path of freedom.
4. Be still. Sit and contemplate what you’ve read. You can write down what stood out from your text.