God made us with BIG feelings. But if you’re anything like me, some of those feelings—like grief, depression, or anxiety—can feel too big to process. In situations like that, I turn to the book of Psalms for my mental health.
This week on the Coffee and Bible Time podcast, we revisited a conversation with my dear friend Rachel Schlesinger about how reading the Psalms daily became a lifeline when she was experiencing mental health issues, motherhood, trauma, and loss.
A Daily Psalm Practice That Transformed a Life
Rachel’s journey through the Psalms began with a simple challenge, shared in our women’s Bible study group: reading one Psalm a day for a whole summer. This simple habit—paired with journaling about God’s character—became a powerful spiritual anchor. As a new mother facing emotional exhaustion and grief, Rachel discovered how dwelling in the Psalms helped her process stress and experience lasting peace.
Three Core Biblical Truths That Support Mental Health
As we unpacked her journey, three key truths emerged from the Psalms that directly address emotional and mental health struggles:
- God is in control
- God deeply loves us
- Waiting serves a purpose
These themes speak to our human need for security, belonging, identity, and purpose—all of which are essential for maintaining emotional resilience.
The Psalms Address Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Overwhelm
Rachel shared how the Psalms for anxiety and emotional pain became a lifeline when she was struggling with fear, grief, and burnout. Unlike self-help advice that avoids negative emotions, the Psalms embrace the full range of human experience—from joy and celebration to grief, lament, and despair. They teach us how to bring every emotion before God and find healing in His presence.
Silencing the Noise: Finding Stillness in the Psalms
One of the most powerful parts of our discussion centered on mental “noise”—the nonstop distractions, information overload, and internal chaos we all experience. This “noise” makes it nearly impossible to hear from God.
But Psalm 46:10, which says “Be still and know that I am God,” offers a healing invitation: to step away from the noise and find rest in God. Practicing stillness through the Psalms helps restore mental clarity, emotional peace, and spiritual focus.
King David’s Mental Health Journey Through the Psalms
King David, the primary author of the book of Psalms, struggled with fear, anger, depression, and guilt—yet he remained “a man after God’s own heart.” His life models how emotional authenticity and faith can coexist. The Psalms David wrote in times of sorrow, fear, or failure show us that God welcomes our raw honesty, even in our weakest emotional states.
Psalms That Bring Comfort in Grief and Loss
Rachel also shared how certain Psalms, like Psalm 84, became deeply meaningful following the deaths of her grandparents. In her grief, the words about longing for God’s presence brought hope and eternal perspective. For anyone navigating loss, heartache, or uncertainty, the Psalms for grief offer powerful, Spirit-led comfort.
How to Use the Psalms for Mental and Emotional Wellness
If you’re wondering where to start, Rachel’s approach is simple yet effective:
- Read one Psalm a day
- Reflect on what it reveals about God’s character
- Write down your thoughtsbl
- Be consistent—but don’t aim for perfection
This habit builds a spiritual reservoir that you’ll draw from in seasons of hardship and healing.
Final Encouragement: Let the Psalms Speak to Your Struggles
Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, burnout, or just longing for spiritual rest, the Psalms offer a clear path to emotional healing through Scripture. Their honesty, depth, and divine comfort meet us right where we are—and lead us gently into the presence of a loving, steady God.
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