What is the Best Psalm to Read When in Doubt? (10 Best Psalms for Doubt)

Doubt is a natural phenomenon and part of human nature that can weigh heavily on a person. I often see my Theology students doubt themselves, especially during exam seasons. I also faced these doubts in the past.

To overcome them, I sought several soothing Psalms to read. I recently held an online discussion with my students on the best Psalm to read whenever they were in doubt.

I was confident that these would help them as they helped me. This session with my students inspired me to write this article and share my knowledge with those wondering what the best Psalm to read when in doubt is.

10 Best Psalms to Read When in Doubt

Psalm 112:7

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

In this verse, the Psalmist describes the person who fears the Lord and is steadfast in their faith as one fears no bad news.

It encourages Christians to maintain their unwavering trust in God to clear all their doubts. It instills the confidence that you can always trust God in any circumstance.

Psalm 138:8

“The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.”

In this verse, David declares that the Lord will fulfill His purpose for him. He also talks about the Lord’s steadfast love that endures for eternity.

This verse urges you not to forsake or doubt the work of your hands, as the Lord will vindicate you.

Psalm 31:22

“In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.”

In this verse, David, in his moment of alarm and panic, thought that he was cut off from the Lord. However, he expresses that the Lord heard his cry when he called out for mercy.

Christians learn that when in doubt, they should trust God to listen to their cry – even if they feel cut off from Him.

Psalm 46:10

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'”

In this verse, the Psalmist declares that Christians should be still and know that our Lord is God. Whenever you are in doubt, this verse reminds us that the Lord is there to walk with you – you should wait on Him and not be overcome with doubt.

Psalm 91:1-2

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”

The Psalmist, in these verses, declares that whoever dwells in the Lord’s shelter will rest in His shadow. He affirms that the Almighty is his refuge, and fortress and declares his trust in Him.

If you find yourself in doubt, seek refuge in God and maintain your trust in Him. He is your refuge, and you can rest assured that you are in His care.

Psalm 27:13-14

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

In these verses, King David declares that he will See God’s goodness in the land of the living and urges us to take heart, be strong, and wait for the Almighty.

When you are faced with doubt, this verse encourages you to take heart – wait for God as He will reveal Himself to you in your time of need.

Psalm 23:4

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

In these verses, the Psalmist talks about being in the darkest valley but fearing no harm as the Lord is with him. He declares that God’s rod and staff comfort him. This verse is a reminder to you that when in doubt, you should not fear for God is with you. Whenever you experience moments of doubt, remember God’s rod and staff, symbolic of His protective care.

Psalm 50:15

“and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

In this verse, Asaph declares how you should call upon the Lord Almighty when faced with trouble, and He will deliver you.

Any time you are faced with doubt, remember this verse as a reminder for you to call unto God whenever you are in need and not let doubt overtake you.

God will deliver you.

How to Use the Psalms to Clear Doubt in Your Heart

The Psalmist follows steps to clear the doubt within his heart. According to this chapter, God is good, as the Psalmist says. But this goodness is not a declaration given to him.

Rather, it is a conclusion made from his own experience. He struggled to understand why the wicked would prosper while he experienced personal hardships (Psalms 73:2-3).

However, to resolve his dilemma, the Psalmist took steps to clear his doubts that Christians can use whenever they are faced with the same emotions.

Go to God Honestly

Just as the Psalmist was honest with God about his doubts, so should Christians. The Psalmist does not downplay his emotions nor bury his feelings.

Christians can learn how to use the Psalm to clear their doubts by referring to how Asaph was honest with God during his moments of doubt and hardship (Psalm 73:13-14).

Being sincere with God will drive you towards Him rather than from Him, as it did with Asaph.

Go to God in Worship

After being sincere about his feelings and sharing them with God, Asaph entered His sanctuary (Psalms 73:17). While in God’s presence, Asaph gets a different perspective of his thoughts and God gives him a spiritual insight into what is happening around him.

Christians are reminded that whenever they are in doubt, after complaining to God, they should worship him. Christians are urged to enter God’s sanctuary and listen to Him to understand who He is and all He has done.

You get a spiritual insight that will clear your doubts.

Can You Pray These Psalms for Someone Doubting Themselves?

According to most Theologians and Christian scholars, the Psalms are very personal. People believe that the Psalms bear a complete spectrum of human emotions, from desperation, fear, surrender, wonder, etc.

As a result, people mainly use it for personalized prayers. The Psalmist prays to God during moments of his own doubt – not that of others.

Therefore, it is best to pray these Psalms for your own self-doubt and suggest them to someone else experiencing doubt to use them in their prayers.