Since mental illness can erupt due to the harsh reality of life, the Book of Psalms is my solace whenever I experience any mental rollercoasters.
Last Friday, one member of our youth group confided in me that he experienced some mental health issues. Being a spiritual counselor with a profound understanding of the Bible, I was more than happy to assist him through therapeutic foundations from the Book of Psalms.
This also premised the inspiration to script this article as an informative source for others seeking the Psalms to read when battling mental illness.
7 Best Psalms to read for mental health and illness
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
In this verse, the Psalmist states that God is close to the brokenhearted and saves people with a crushed spirit. You can use this Psalm when seeking God’s comfort when heartbroken and distraught.
Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
In this verse, the Psalmist declares that even if he traverses through the darkest valley, he will have no fear over evil because God is close beside him.
He further states that the Lord’s rod and staff safeguard and comfort him. This Psalm is a powerful source of inspiration when battling anxiety and affirming God’s protection through the dark moments in life.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
In this verse, the Psalmist urges the reader to cast his burdens unto God because of His sustenance. He further states that God never allows the righteous to stumble.
This Psalm is beneficial whenever you feel mentally overwhelmed. It is also an encouragement to trust that God will always sustain your path.
Psalm 43:5
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”
In this verse, the Psalmist asks his soul why it feels downcast and troubled within him. He then urges himself to hope in God and praise Him.
This Psalm comes in handy when feeling sad and distressed to establish your hope in God.
Psalm 29:11
“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.”
In this verse, the Psalmist states that God provides strength and the blessing of peace to His people. You can use this verse when feeling downtrodden and to obtain peace of mind from God.
Psalm 6:6-9
“I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. My eye wastes away because of grief; It grows old because of all my enemies.”
In these verses, the Psalmist addresses his weary state as he sheds tears all night due to grief. Nonetheless, he declares that God listens to his supplication and will answer his prayer.
This Psalm is useful when battling depression due to your enemies’ wickedness against you. It also asserts your faith in God to answer your prayer.
Psalm 46:1-3
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.”
In these verses, the Psalmist acknowledges that God is His strength and refuge. He equally states that he will not fear even if the earth is shaken, mountains cast into the ocean, seas rage, or hills crumble.
You can use this verse when feeling troubled and seeking God’s protection.
How to use the Book of Psalms for mental health
The Book of Psalms can be used for mental health to find comfort, direction, and hope in God during mental breakdowns.
Psalms are considered an effective tool for achieving mental serenity due to their expressive and affirmative prose. Additionally, they incorporate God to fight battles for His people during mental struggles.
How to use the Book of Psalms to overcome the mental illness
The Book of Psalms can be used to overcome mental illness by meditating on the scriptures for healing. The healing words of the scriptures are considered useful when grappling with mental issues.
In addition, memorizing the Psalm is important to render it a philosophy of conquering the condition.
Can you read these Psalms for someone suffering from mental illness?
Yes, you can read these Psalms for someone suffering from mental illness. As people with mental illness battle depression, anxiety, sadness, distress, etcetera, these Psalms can be used as a source of guiding light to alleviate their situation.
They can also serve as therapy when the individual experiences dark depths mentally.
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.
Related posts:
7 Best Psalms to Read for a Broken Heart (Psalms Prayers for the Brokenhearted)
5 Best Psalms to read when you are suffering (Psalms prayers to comfort the suffering)
What is the best Psalms to read in the morning? (7 best Psalms to read in the morning for a good day)
7 Psalms to read during the Holy Week (Psalms verses to read during the Holy Week)