Biblical affirmations for mental health and well-being
Our sense of well-being is deeply affected by how we think. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as [a person] thinketh in his heart, so is he” (KJV). Affirming the following basic truths helps us come to peace with ourselves and with God.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.—1 Peter 5:7
Thank you that you care about whatever is stressing me out, and that you are willing to carry my load of troubles.
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—Proverbs 12:25
Thank you that when I feel weighed down by life you lift me up.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you – the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.—Psalm 121:1–8
Thank you for your help and constant protection.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.—1 Thessalonians 5:18
In spite of my circumstances, I choose to have a positive attitude.
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.—Philippians 4:6–7
When I pray, I experience your peace, even in the midst of trouble. It makes no sense, yet you give me peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”—John 14:27
Thank you for speaking your peace into my life and calming me.
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, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.—Psalm 46:1–3
Even though difficulties are guaranteed to come, and even though they may be catastrophic and overwhelming, we can find refuge and strength in God.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”—John 15:1, 2
I ask God to remove things from my life that sap my energy.
I invite God to show me where he wants me to concentrate my efforts so I can be more effective.
I have the rest of my life…all the time I need to do the things that are most important.
I do not need to be driven by the tyranny of the urgent.
I choose not to rush through life but to slow down, take my time, and enjoy the journey.
–Duncan Nalos is a registered clinical counsellor at Counsel Me in Abbotsford, B.C., and a member of Northview Community Church. This piece is adapted from one of 13 affirmations from a text and soundtrack he developed.
