What does the Bible say about mental health?

It might seem strange to hear such a “modern” term in the context of a centuries-old book, but the stresses, anxieties, and troubles we experience are not modern problems.

In fact, digging deeper into Scripture shows us that issues of mental health, trauma, and suffering are not new to God!

The Bible is full of wisdom for seasons of stress, anxiety, depression, and sorrow. Scripture reminds us that God knows us better than we could ever imagine. He created us with care and communicates his love for us through his Word.

In the Psalms, we read prayers for help that capture the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual anguish we experience in a world broken by sin and marked by suffering. We read how King David suffered under the weight of unconfessed sin and how other psalmists begged God to come to Israel’s aid and deliver them from their enemies. And we read psalms of lament (like Psalm 22 and Psalm 130) that express the depths of our suffering while helping us remember the truth of God’s love.

When we struggle to understand our own emotions or feel crushed by the weight of pain, loneliness, or fear, we can turn to God’s Word. There, we learn more about the abundant life available to us through Jesus Christ, a Savior who willingly suffered for our sake and who understands our weaknesses.

2 Free Bible-Based Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month

Here are two free Bible-based resources that you can use and share as you explore God’s deep and enduring love for you!

How to Lament

The Psalms are one blueprint for lament—or honest prayers amid deep suffering. Sometimes, it can feel impossible to pray. But the Bible encourages us to pour out our pain to a listening and loving Father. If you are experiencing burdens of stress, depression, anxiety, grief, or other heavy emotions, you can use this free guide to cry out to God through lament and reflect on his promises to you.

Download “How to Lament” Resource

Finding Hope with Isaiah

This free devotional guide is based on a reading plan from our Restoring Hope Bible. During this five-day plan, you’ll walk through key passages from Isaiah, reflect on God’s promises, and find fresh encouragement for your daily walk with God.

Download “Finding Hope with Isaiah” Devotional Guide Now!

3 Ways to Pray During Mental Health Awareness Month

Prayer is a powerful tool to experience God’s love amid the struggles we face. Whether we use a psalm of lament to express our pain, pray with others, or pray silently, we can be sure that God hears and responds to our cries for help.

Today, your prayers can open the way for you and countless others to be mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically healed. Here are three ways you can pray.

God, meet me in my struggle and show me your loving kindness.

Loving Father, although I walk through valleys as dark as death, you reassure me that I don’t have to be afraid because you are with me. Thank you for walking with me and providing comfort. Today, I pray that your kindness and love will be with me each day of my life. And may I experience the abundant life that Jesus offers. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

You, LORD, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields
of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
and you refresh my life.

Psalm 23:1‒3a CEV

God, heal all those suffering from mental illness.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you heal people who are suffering from mental illness. God, be their mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. May they always know they can run to you for comfort and peace. And I pray that they will be surrounded by people and communities that support them in their healing journey. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

LORD, heal me and I will be completely well; rescue me and I will be perfectly safe. You are the one I praise!

Jeremiah 17:14 GNT

God, may your Word reach every person on earth bringing them hope and peace.

Gracious Father, thank you for your Word which is our source of hope. I pray that people everywhere will have a chance to experience the healing power of your Word through ministries like Bible-based trauma healing ministry. Bless those laboring to bring your Word so that those carrying deep wounds can find healing and discover your love. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105 GNT

Help Others Discover the Comfort of Scripture!

You can give to support Bible-based trauma healing ministry around the world!