In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, stress can weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. As Christians, we don’t have to carry that burden alone. The Book of Psalms is a treasure trove of raw, honest prayers that speak directly to our struggles with anxiety, fear, and overwhelm. Handling stress using Psalms isn’t about ignoring reality, it’s about lifting our eyes to the One who holds it all together and finding His perfect peace right in the middle of the storm.
If you’re longing for gentle, weekly encouragement: devotionals, Scripture reflections, faith-based mental health tips, and beautiful quotes delivered straight to your inbox; come journey with me on Substack. I’d love to have you there: Subscribe here.
Why the Psalms Are Perfect for Handling Stress
The Psalms were written by people who knew hardship intimately, such as kings in exile, shepherds facing danger, worshippers surrounded by enemies. David, Asaph, and others poured out their fears, frustrations, and fatigue before God, and in return, they discovered His faithfulness again and again.
What makes handling stress using Psalms so powerful is the honesty. There’s no pretending everything is fine. The writers cry out, question, lament; and then they remember who God is. This pattern teaches us that we can bring our full, unfiltered selves to God, and He meets us with comfort and strength.
Paul echoes this in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV):
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The Psalms show us how to do exactly that; turn stress into prayer, and watch God’s peace guard our hearts.
Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd in Stressful Seasons
One of the most beloved passages for handling stress using Psalms is Psalm 23. Even if you’ve heard it countless times, let it sink in afresh:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”
—Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
When stress keeps us tossing at night or racing through the day, these verses remind us that our Good Shepherd actively cares for us. He doesn’t just point us toward rest. He makes us lie down, He leads us beside still waters, He refreshes our weary souls.
Practical Reflection
Next time stress feels overwhelming, slowly pray through Psalm 23 phrase by phrase. Pause after each line and picture Jesus as your Shepherd guiding you personally. Ask Him: “Where are You leading me to rest today?” It might be a five-minute break, a walk outside, or simply closing your eyes to breathe deeply while repeating, “You refresh my soul.”
Psalm 46: God Is Our Refuge When Everything Shakes
Life can feel like the ground is shifting beneath us. With deadlines, health concerns, family struggles, or even world news, there are so many reasons many of us deal with that contributes to our stress and anxiety. Psalm 46 speaks directly into that shaking:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
—Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)
The psalmist doesn’t deny the chaos; he declares God’s presence in it. Verse 10 is the famous invitation: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Breath Prayer Exercise
Turn this into a portable practice for handling stress using Psalms:
- Inhale slowly: “God, You are my refuge and strength.”
- Exhale slowly: “I will not fear.”
Repeat several times whenever anxiety rises: while driving, waiting in line, or lying awake at night. Let the truth anchor you.
Psalm 55: Casting Your Cares Because He Cares
David wrote Psalm 55 during a time of betrayal and intense emotional pain. He says his heart is “in anguish” and “terror of death” has fallen on him (v. 4). Yet in the middle of his lament, he offers this beautiful instruction:
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
—Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Peter echoes this exact idea in 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Practical Tip: The “Casting” Journal
Keep a small notebook or note on your phone titled “Casting Cares.” Whenever stress builds, write down the specific burden (whether big or small) then write Psalm 55:22 underneath it. Speak it aloud: “Lord, I’m casting this on You because You care for me.” Over time, you’ll have a record of God’s faithfulness as those burdens lift.
Psalm 91: Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High
Psalm 91 paints vivid pictures of God’s protection— shadow of His wings, shield and rampart, angels guarding us. It begins:
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
—Psalm 91:1 (NIV)
The key word is dwells. Coping with stress using Psalms often means choosing to abide, to remain, in God’s presence rather than rushing past it.
Daily Dwelling Exercise
Each morning, spend a few minutes “entering” this shelter:
- Read Psalm 91:1-4 slowly.
- Visualize yourself stepping into God’s presence; perhaps under His wings like a chick with its mother.
- Declare: “I dwell in Your shelter today, Lord. I rest in Your shadow.”
Carry one phrase with you through the day, like “He is my refuge and my fortress” (v. 2), repeating it when stress creeps in.
Psalm 139: Known and Loved Even in Distress
When stress makes us feel isolated or insignificant, Psalm 139 reminds us we are intimately known:
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me… You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
—Psalm 139:1, 5 (NIV)
Later, David prays: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” (v. 23).
Bringing our stress to God isn’t hiding it. He already sees. Inviting Him to search our anxious thoughts opens the door for His healing and perspective.
Reflection Prompt
Set aside ten quiet minutes. Read Psalm 139:1-12 and 23-24. Then journal honestly:
- What anxious thoughts am I carrying right now?
- How does it feel to know God sees them and still loves me completely?
- Lord, show me any lies I’m believing in this stress, and replace them with Your truth.
Building a Habit of Turning to the Psalms in Stress
Consistency turns occasional comfort into lasting strength. Here are gentle ways to make coping with stress using Psalms part of your rhythm:
- Morning Anchor: Start your day with one Psalm (try rotating through 23, 46, 91, 121).
- Midday Reset: Keep a short list of go-to verses on your phone. When stress spikes, read and pray one.
- Evening Release: Before bed, read a lament Psalm (like 13 or 42) to voice your struggles, then end with a praise Psalm (like 103 or 145) to shift focus.
Over weeks and months, you’ll notice your default response to stress shifting from panic to prayer.
If you’ve been enjoying biblical practices like these, you might appreciate my recent post on deepening your faith through Scripture-centered meditation: Meditation Techniques for Christians: Deepening Your Faith Through Biblical Meditation.
The Promise of Peace That Lasts
Friend, stress will come. It is part of life in this broken world. But as we keep turning to the Psalms, we train our hearts to run to God first. His Word becomes our refuge, His promises our anchor, His presence our peace.
I’ve walked through seasons where anxiety felt crushing, and the Psalms were lifelines pulling me back to truth. One verse at a time, one honest prayer at a time, God reshaped my perspective and carried what I couldn’t.
You don’t have to manage stress alone. Open your Bible to the Psalms today and let the God who inspired every word meet you right where you are. He is faithful, He is near, and His peace is real— even in the hardest moments.
About The Author
Selah is a passionate Christian lifestyle + mental health blogger and artist dedicated to helping readers grow in faith and live intentionally with God at the center of their daily lives. Through devotionals, practical tips, and personal reflections, she inspires others to deepen their relationship with Jesus and embrace a life of worship, gratitude, and spiritual growth.
✦ Make sure to follow my socials! → https://linktr.ee/selahshalom
✦ Shop devotional art and prints here → https://valleyfernstudio.etsy.com/
Sources
Psalms For Anxiety: Bible Study Tools
Fern Of The Valley 
Leave a comment