Skip to main content

Finding Sanctuary in Psalm 116: When Your Mind Feels Like a Storm

 Life can feel like a storm. One minute you're sailing smoothly, the next you're tossed about by waves of anxiety, shrouded in fog of depression, or battered by the winds of overwhelming stress. If you've ever felt this way, know that you're not alone. As a Christian counselor, I've sat with countless individuals who bravely navigate these inner tempests. And as someone who also walks this journey of faith, I’ve found an anchor in unexpected places – specifically, within the pages of the Psalms. Today, let’s explore the soothing balm of Psalm 116.

Imagine this scene: you’re huddled in a quiet corner, the noise of life swirling around you, but inside, there’s a cacophony of worries and fears. Perhaps you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of mental and emotional distress. This is often how many describe the experience of mental health struggles. It's not a simple feeling down, but an overwhelming sense of being lost, adrift, and isolated. This feeling is valid, and it’s important to acknowledge.


Now, let's step into the world of Psalm 116. The psalmist begins with a powerful declaration, "I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live" (Psalm 116:1-2, NIV). These verses reveal a profound truth: God listens. In the midst of your mental health struggles, when it feels like no one understands, or even cares, God hears your cry. This is not a distant, theoretical hearing, but a personal, intimate turning of His ear towards you.


Clinically, this understanding is crucial. When we feel heard and validated, our stress response system can begin to calm down. Feelings of isolation and hopelessness often exacerbate mental health issues. Knowing that there is a divine listener can provide immense comfort and a sense of being held. It shifts the narrative from, “I’m all alone in this,” to, “I am seen, I am heard, and I am not abandoned.”


As the psalm continues, we read, “The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came on me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘Lord, save me!’” (Psalm 116:3-4, NIV). The psalmist vividly describes the feeling of being trapped and overwhelmed. These words might resonate deeply with you if you struggle with anxiety, where you feel trapped by racing thoughts, or depression, where you feel entangled by sadness. Yet, in that moment of deep distress, the psalmist turns to God. “Lord, save me!” This isn’t a polished prayer, but a raw, desperate plea. And it’s enough.


This is a vital point for anyone struggling with mental health. Your prayers don't have to be eloquent or perfect. God isn’t looking for polished speeches; He wants your honest heart. It's okay to say, “God, I’m a mess. I need you.” There’s power in bringing our vulnerability to God, in laying bare our struggles and asking for His help.


The psalm ends with a sense of peace and restoration, “For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 116:8-9, NIV). Here we see a journey from distress to deliverance. The psalmist’s tears are wiped away, and his feet are steadied. This speaks to the hope of healing and restoration that God offers. While mental health struggles can be long and complex, there is hope for finding stability, peace, and purpose again.


If you are going through a storm today, remember Psalm 116. Know that God hears you. Know that you are not alone. Turn to Him, even in your darkest moments. Seek support from your community, a trusted friend, or a professional. It's not weak to ask for help; it’s wise and courageous.


Questions for Reflection:

  • What emotions do you feel when reading Psalm 116?

  • Where do you see yourself in the psalmist’s story?

  • What steps can you take to bring your honest prayers and vulnerability to God today?

  • Who in your life can you reach out to for support?

May you find comfort, strength, and sanctuary in God’s unfailing love.


Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and encouragement purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical or mental health advice. If you are experiencing severe mental health distress, please seek help from a qualified professional.


Join me for more updates, inspiration, and exciting content @ drericakimesallen.com! ✨

 #FollowMe #StayConnected# 

 📘 Facebook: Dr Erica Kimes Allen, Author
🔗 LinkedIn: dr-erica-writes
🎵 TikTok: dr_erica_writes
📸 Instagram: dr_erica_writes
📹 YouTube: Nurturing Mental Wellness & Faith with Dr. Erica
📝 Blog: Scriptural Serenity: A Mental Wellness & Faith Journey with Dr. Erica
👻 Snapchat: drericawrites
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finding Strength in the Valley: How Psalm 23 Offers Hope in Times of Grief

Hey there! Losing a loved one may make us feel disoriented, lonely, and helpless. There are many dark corners and unexpected turns along the way. However, we may take comfort in the knowledge that God is with us always, even at our lowest hours. Today, we'll look at how the lovely verse of Psalm 23 brought relief to Rebecca, a hospice nurse, and how it may do the same for you when life gets intolerable. A Tale of Rebecca: How She Learned to Rely on God Through Her Grief Working as a hospice nurse had exposed Rebecca to death on several occasions. Still, she felt the loss more acutely than usual for one week. She was emotionally tired and struggled to find the fortitude to continue on after the tragic deaths of two of her long-term patients. After her shift ended, she sat alone with her Bible and read Psalm 23, a passage she had read many times before. But this time, something was off with the words. The statement, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Finding Comfort in the Brokenhearted: Psalm 34:18 and Its Power for Spiritual and Mental Wellness

       In a world that often feels overwhelming, where heartbreak and hardship lurk around every corner, we desperately need comfort and hope. As a licensed professional counselor and author of self-help books embedded with biblical wisdom, I’ve seen firsthand the power of scripture in providing solace and strength during difficult times. One verse that consistently resonates with many of my clients and readers is Psalm 34:18:  "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This simple yet profound scripture holds incredible promise for those grappling with emotional pain and mental struggles. It serves as a beautiful reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is near, offering comfort and healing. Understanding the Verse: God's Nearness in Brokenness      Psalm 34:18 speaks directly to the heart of anyone who has ever felt broken, lost, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. It tells us that God is not dista...
Post a Comment
Read more

Finding Faith in the Midst of Fear: Elias's Journey of Healing and Hope

 We all face moments in life when everything changes. One day, you’re going about your normal routine, and the next, the ground beneath you shifts. For Elias, this moment came when he received a life-altering diagnosis that shook him to his core. His world turned upside down, and he found himself confronting not only the fragility of his body but the depth of his faith. This is his story, and through it, we’ll explore how to navigate anxiety and fear while clinging to God’s promises. Elias’s journey is one many of us can relate to—perhaps not in the specifics of his illness, but in the way life can suddenly throw us into chaos. Whether it’s health issues, financial hardship, or family struggles, we all experience moments when fear feels like a constant companion. Anxiety tells us that the future is uncertain and that we are not strong enough to handle what’s coming. But as Elias learned, these moments can also be where God meets us most powerfully. The Weight of Fear When Elias fir...
Post a Comment
Read more