We aren’t okay. After decades of mental health stabilizing or improving, the mental health of teens started plunging in 2010 and fifteen years later continues its downward trajectory. Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation argues that the cause of our mental health crisis is that rectangle nestled in our pockets: our smart phones.
Over the past month at New Life we have been asking the question: what does the Bible have to say about mental health? This past week we dove into Psalm 42, where one of the sons of Korah battles the lies he is believing by speaking God’s truth over himself. Twice he stops his anxious thoughts with a question and a promise,
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation[ 6 and my God. (Ps. 42:5-6)
Throughout the Psalms we see this pattern of those battling fears, anxiety, and depression by speaking God’s truth to themselves. David preaches to himself in Psalm 103,
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Ps. 103:1-5)
We don’t have to be held captive by our thoughts; we can hold our thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:5) and preach God’s truth to ourselves. My co-lead pastor, Greg Lavine created a list of personalized and paraphrased verses that might be a use to you as you fight to hold onto God’s unshakeable truths and defeat the lies in your heart.
Personalized truths to meditate on
Genesis 1:27
I created you in My own image; the imprint of My being is in you. You have the worth, value, and dignity of Me in you.
Exodus 33:14
Don’t worry. My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
Deuteronomy 7:6–7
You are holy to Me. I am making a holy people to be a family, and you are part of it. I have chosen you to be My treasured possession. Listen to Me, out of all the people on earth, I chose you. And I didn’t choose you because you were impressive or strong or many in number. I chose you simply because I love you.
Deuteronomy 10:15
I set My heart on you. Out of all the people in the world, I chose you … and I still choose you.
Deuteronomy 14:2
You are holy to Me. You belong to Me. Out of all the nations, I picked you to be My treasured possession.
Deuteronomy 31:8
I am the LORD and I go before you. I will be with you. I will never fail you or forsake you. Don’t fear or be confused.
Deuteronomy 33:27
I am the eternal God and I am your refuge. You can rest in Me, in My everlasting arms.
Psalm 4:8
I will have you lie down and sleep in peace, for I am your God. Dwell in safety.
Psalm 5:3
In the morning I hear your voice; in the morning when you talk with Me know that I’m looking out for you.
Psalm 9:9–10
I am your refuge. In times of trouble, remember I am your stronghold.
Psalm 16:8
I am at your right hand, you will not be shaken.
Psalm 23:1–4
I am your Shepherd, you will never be in want. I make you lie down in green pastures, I lead you beside quiet waters, it is I that restores your soul. I guide you in paths of righteousness for My glory. Even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, don’t fear anything. I am with you. My rod and My staff comfort you.
Psalm 23:6
Trust Me… goodness and mercy will always follow you. I have made it so that you will live with Me forever.
Psalm 27:1, 3
I am your light and your salvation; you have nothing to be afraid of. I am your stronghold; don’t worry about anything. If a whole army came against you, you have nothing to fear; the whole world could come against you – you’ll be fine. Listen to Me – I am with you.
Psalm 32:7–8
I am your hiding place; I will protect you from trouble. I sing songs of deliverance all around you.
Psalm 46:1–3
I am your refuge and strength, your ever-present help in trouble. You have nothing to 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 46:10
Be still, and know that I am your God.
Psalm 62:1–2
I am your rock and your salvation; I am your fortress, nothing can come against you.
Psalm 73:26
You will fail, but I am your strength. I will be your joy forever.
Psalm 94:18–19
When you said, "My foot is slipping," that was My love that carried you. When you were stressed out and worried, it was Me who carried you out of that pit.
Psalm 103:2–5
Look around, remember the things I do for you—I forgive all your sins and heal all your diseases, I redeem your life from the pit and crown you with love and compassion. I satisfy your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 116:7–9
Listen, be at rest. I have been and always will be good to you. I have delivered your soul from death and your eyes from tears, your feet from stumbling, that you may walk with Me in the land of life.
Psalm 135:4
I chose you for Myself. You are Mine. My special treasure.
Psalm 138:7
Though life can be hard, I will get you through; I will stretch out My hand against whatever comes against you, I will save you with My right hand.
Psalm 139:7, 9–10, 14, 23–24
Where shall you go from My Spirit? Or where shall you flee from My presence? If you take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, there My hand will lead you, and My right hand will hold you. I made you perfect. Not a single mistake. I want you to know how carefully and beautifully I formed you. I will search you and know your heart and thoughts! I see if there is trouble inside you, and I will lead you in My ways which are everlasting!
Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you have nothing to be afraid of; when you lie down, I will make your sleep sweet.
Proverbs 18:10
I am your strong tower; I will always be your safe place.
Isaiah 12:2
I am your salvation; don’t be afraid. I am powerful and My strength is your strength. I’ll put a song in your soul – I am your salvation and you can draw waters of joy from Me anytime.
Isaiah 26:12
I have established peace for you and done marvelous things for you.
Isaiah 35:4–5
You can be strong, you have nothing to fear, I am your God.
Isaiah 40:28–31
Do you not know? Are you listening to Me? I am the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. I never grow tired or weary, and no one can fathom My understanding. I give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but you, you hope in Me, I will renew your strength. You will soar on wings like eagles; you will run and not grow weary, you will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, I am with you; do not be dismayed, I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 43:1–3
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. The rivers will not overtake you. You can walk through fire and you will not be burned. I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, and I am your Savior.
Isaiah 43:21
You are part of a family I formed for Myself. You have a purpose to declare My praise.
Isaiah 66:13
As a mother comforts her child, that’s how I look on you.
Jeremiah 16:19
I am your strength and fortress, your refuge when things are hard.
Jeremiah 29:11–14
I have plans for you. I have plans to prosper you and take care of you, plans full of hope and of future. You can call upon Me anytime. You can talk with Me, I’m listening. Trust Me, whenever you need Me I’m right here. Listen to Me, I will always be there for you no matter what.
Jeremiah 31:3
I love you with an everlasting love; I take care of you with loving-kindness.
Jeremiah 31:16
Don’t cry. Wipe away your tears.
Jeremiah 32:17
I am the God above all gods! I made the heavens and the earth. My great power and My outstretched arm are unmatched! Nothing is too hard for Me.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me and I will answer you. I will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Lamentations 3:22–26
Because of My great love for you, you will not be consumed. My compassions never fail. They are new every morning. I am perfectly faithful.
Ezekiel 34:11–12, 15–16
I will search for My sheep personally, and look after them Myself. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I Myself will tend My sheep and have them lie down. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.
Daniel 10:19
You are deeply loved. Don’t be afraid. Be at peace. Be strong now; be strong.
Joel 2:13
Return to Me, for I am gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in love, and I will not send calamity.
Micah 7:8
Those who oppose you will not win. When you fall, I will make you rise. When darkness approaches you, I am your light. (Micah 7:8)
Nahum 1:7
I am good. I am a stronghold in the day of trouble. I know those who take refuge in Me.
Zephaniah 3:17
I, the LORD your God, am with you. I am mighty to save. I take great delight in you; I quiet you with My love, and I rejoice over you with singing.
Matthew 6:8 and 31-32
I know what you need before you ask me. So don’t worry about anything. You never need to ask 'What will I eat?' or 'What will I drink?' or 'What will I wear?' Other people run after these things, trust Me, I’m looking after you.
Matthew 11:28–30
Come here, I know you’re tired and things are heavy. Come here, I will give you rest. Let Me take your load. Watch Me. I am gentle and humble in heart, I’m going to give you rest for your soul. With Me, everything that’s heavy is going to be light.
Luke 12:6-7
Do you know how much I love you? I know every detail of your life. You are so valuable to me. Don’t ever be afraid.
John 1:12
I gave you the right to be my child. Because you received me, because you believe in me, you belong to my family.
John 3:16
I love you so much, that I gave Jesus for you, so that in Him you could be with me forever.
John 10:14–15
I am your Shepherd, and I am Good. I know you, and you know Me. Just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. This is the depth of how much I know you and love you … I lay down My life for you.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or afraid.
John 15:9
Just as My Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love.
John 16:33
In Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Romans 5:8
I proved My love for you in this: while you were still in your sin, Jesus died for you.
Romans 6:2-11
That old life, ruled by sin, it doesn’t define you anymore. You died to that. You can’t still live in it? Remember this: when you were baptized into Christ Jesus, you died with Him, you were buried with Him, your old self is gone! So just as I raised Jesus from the dead by the glory of My power, so you too can walk in a brand-new life. You have been united with Him in his death, so you are certainly united with Him in His resurrection. Your old self was crucified with Him, so sin’s power over you is destroyed, you are no longer a slave to it! You are not the same, you have been set free from sin. I want to repeat myself so you get this, you died with Christ, so you also live with Him. Know this: Christ was raised from the dead, never to die again. Death no longer has any power over Him. He died once, to break the power of sin forever. And now He lives fully and forever for Me. So, consider this true for yourself: you are dead to sin, and alive to Me in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1–2
There’s no condemnation for you, not anymore! You belong to Jesus, and because of that, you are completely free. You’re not bound by sin and death, not any more, you live by the power of my Spirit.
Romans 8:14–16
You are led by My Spirit; you are My child. I did not give you a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but I gave you a Spirit of sonship so that your can cry out to Me ‘Daddy’.
Romans 8:28
I work all things together for your good, because you love Me and have been called according to My purpose.
Romans 8:31
What can I say about all this? I am for you! And because of that, who could ever stand against you?
Romans 8:37-39
I love you, and because of that, you’ve already won. You’re more than a conqueror. So much so, that you can rest on it as a fact, nothing will ever be able to separate you from My love, nothing! Not death, not life, not angels or demons, not the present or the future, not any power, not height or depth, nor anything else in all creation can separate you from My love.
1 Corinthians 1:8–9
I will keep you strong to the end. I’ll wash away your guilt until the day of victory in My son. I am faithful, I will keep you united with My Son, Jesus Christ your Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
Your body is My temple. I dwell in you. I have placed My Spirit inside of you. You are not your own. I bought you at a great price. So glorify me in all you do.
2 Corinthians 1:21–22
I secured you in Jesus. I anointed you, set My seal of ownership on you, and put My Spirit in your heart as a deposit. I’ve done all of this to guarantee you’ll always be with Me..
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
In Jesus, you are a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come. This is something I did for you in Jesus. You couldn’t do it for yourself. But Jesus makes you new on the inside and draws you into Me. You can do this same thing, by drawing others close to Me, you play a part in them becoming new creations too.
2 Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in your weakness.
Galatians 2:20
You’ve been crucified with me. You don’t live for yourself anymore. I live in you. This life you live now, you live by faith in me, because I love you and gave Myself for you.
Galatians 4:6–7
Because you are My child, I sent the Spirit of My Son into your heart, and that Spirit calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are not a slave to anything anymore. Your My child and since you are My child, you are an heir of all that I have.
Ephesians 1:4–6
Long before I made the world, I chose you. I set you apart for My purposes. I saw you and decided to love you, I wanted you for Myself, so I adopted you into my family through Jesus. This brings me so much joy. That’s why I did it, to shine a light on my glory, which I have showered over you in Jesus.
Ephesians 2:1 and 4-6
You were dead because of sin, but I didn’t leave you there, because I constantly overflow in mercy. I saw you in your mess, in your deadness, and I loved you anyway. Because of my love for you is so great, I made you alive with Christ. Even when you were stuck in sin, I gave you life. It’s all grace, a pure gift. I raised you up with Jesus and seated you with Him in the heavenly places so you would be close to Me. You are with Me now, in spirit, and some day I am going to hold you up for all the universe to see just how marvelous My grace and kindness are in Jesus.
Ephesians 2:9-10
You didn’t earn your way to me. I gave you grace. I made you new. You are my workmanship, created in Christ to do good things that I planned for you long ago.
Ephesians 3:16–19
I strengthen you with power through My Spirit in your inner being. Christ dwells in your heart through faith. You are rooted and established in love. You have power with all the saints to know just how wide and long and high and deep is My love for you in Jesus. I want you to know this love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled to the measure of all My fullness.
Philippians 1:6
Oh how I hope you know this: I started My work in you, so I will complete it on that day that Jesus fulfills all things.
Philippians 3:20–21
Your citizenship is in heaven, all of you. And so you wait for Jesus, who will transform your earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body. I tell you the power that He uses to control all things will accomplish this.
Philippians 4:6-8
Don’t worry about anything. Just leave your worries with Me. And My peace, which is more powerful than you can imagine, will guard your heart and your mind.
Philippians 4:13
No matter what circumstance you are in, you can do this. With me as your strength, you can do anything.
Colossians 1:13–14
I rescued you from the domain of darkness and brought you into the kingdom of My beloved Son, in whom you have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 3:9-10
Take off that old identity, it’s not who you are! Put on the new self I gave you, and let me renew you to be more like me. That’s who I created you to be.
Colossians 3:12–14
You are My chosen one, holy and dearly loved. Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Forgive as I forgave you. And above all, put on love.
1 Thessalonians 5:23–24
I sanctify you through and through. I will keep your whole spirit, soul, and body blameless at the coming of your Lord Jesus Christ. I am faithful, and I will do it.
2 Timothy 1:7
I did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Titus 3:4–7
When My kindness and love appeared, I saved you, not because of righteous things you had done, but because of My mercy. I saved you through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. I poured out My Spirit generously through Jesus Christ, so that, having been justified by My grace, you might become an heir with the hope of eternal life.
Hebrews 4:16
Approach My throne of grace with confidence. There, you will receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need.
Hebrews 13:5–6
I will never leave you; I will never forsake you. So, you can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?'
1 Peter 2:9–10
I chose you to be mine. You are a royal priest, part of a holy nation. You are my own possession, you belong to Me that you may declare My praises because I called you out of darkness into My wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are My people.
1 Peter 5:6–7
Humble yourself under My mighty hand, that I may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Me because I care for you.
1 John 1:9
When you confess your sins, I am faithful and just and will forgive you and purify you from all unrighteousness.
1 John 3:1
I love you so much, and I have lavished it on you, so that you are to be called My child. And that is what you are!
1 John 4:4
Look at Me. You are mine and you will get through anything, because I am in you and I am greater than anything you face.
Revelation 21:3–4
Look! My dwelling is now with you. I will live with you. You will be Mine, and I will be your God. I will wipe every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
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