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Psalm 23: A Life-Changing Guide for Overcoming Anxiety, Finding Peace, and Walking Through Life’s Valleys with Faith

Liberation Lunes

November 18th, 2024

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible. Many of us first heard it at somber moments, like funerals, where it brought comfort in times of grief. But this ancient scripture isn’t just for times of loss—it holds incredible potential to help us in daily life, guiding us toward healing, strength, and inner peace. In my work as a Christian therapist, Psalm 23 has been foundational, not only for my clients but also in my own life. It’s such a core part of my journey that I even named my practice, Through the Valley Therapy, after it.


In this blog, I’ll share how Psalm 23 became a guiding light in my life, practical ways to incorporate its wisdom into your own healing journey, and a free Psalm 23 Guide you can have to go deeper. My hope is that this Psalm, filled with ancient wisdom, will help you navigate life’s challenges with greater courage and peace.


My Journey to Starting Through the Valley Therapy

In March 2020, as the world went into lockdown, I was working as the Crisis Intervention Counselor at an alternative school in Broward County. Between supporting students in distress, writing poetry, and studying the Bible, I was trying to keep myself grounded during one of the most chaotic times in our lifetime. During those days, I felt a small, persistent voice (what I call the Holy Spirit) urging me to open my private practice—a step that felt enormous. But I kept resisting, weighed down by cognitive distortions like “What if it fails?” and “I’m not ready.”


Finally, I surrendered and asked, “Lord, if this is what You want, show me the way.” I wrote down 25 different potential names for the practice went over them with family and friends, even tried the Wu-Tang Name Generator (like Childish Gambino did!) and landed on some funny ones like “Dianormous R Therapy.” But I kept returning to Psalm 23, which I’d been memorizing at the time. When I read for the hundredth time, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me,” it felt like everything clicked. This was the journey I was on, the journey my clients were on, and even what the world was going through in that season of fear and uncertainty.


I went online to see if Through the Valley Therapy was available as a name—and four years later, here I am, sharing how this Psalm is still my guide and how it can help you too.



Why Psalm 23 Is a Psalm for the Living, Not Just the Dead

Many associate Psalm 23 with end-of-life moments, but it’s actually a Psalm for every season of life. When David wrote it, he was describing the presence, protection, and peace God provides in life’s most challenging moments. For anyone walking through emotional valleys—grief, anxiety, depression, or uncertainty—Psalm 23 offers comfort and strength, reminding us that we’re not alone.


The Healing Power of Psalm 23: Key Lessons for Your Healing Journey


Psalm 23 offers timeless wisdom that can be applied to our emotional and spiritual growth. Here’s how you can start incorporating its teachings into your life, especially if you’re seeking healing.


1. Finding Rest and Renewal in “Green Pastures”

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”

In our busy world, rest can feel like a luxury. But Psalm 23 reminds us that rest is essential for renewal. Picture yourself lying in a green meadow or sitting by calm water. This isn’t just poetic language; it’s a reminder to find moments of peace, letting go of stress and creating space to breathe. You can use this verse to practice mindful breathing, focusing on each inhale and exhale, allowing your nervous system to shift from stress to calm.


CBT Tip: If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, use Psalm 23 as a meditation tool. Close your eyes and visualize the green pastures, focusing on how your body relaxes. Practice this before bed or during a break to reset and recharge.


2. Facing the Valley with Courage

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

The “valley of the shadow of death” in Psalm 23 doesn’t just refer to physical death; it represents the dark, challenging moments of life. When you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or loss, it’s natural to want to avoid these feelings. But Psalm 23 reminds us to walk through the valley, facing our fears with courage because we’re not alone.


CBT Tip: When anxious or fearful thoughts arise, try grounding yourself with this verse. Use it as an affirmation, repeating, “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” This can help to reduce anxiety by grounding you in the present moment and reminding you of a higher strength walking with you.


3. Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

When life gets difficult, it’s easy to focus on what’s missing. But Psalm 23 invites us to look for abundance, even in the face of challenges. By shifting our mindset to one of gratitude and abundance, we can find peace and joy even in tough times.


CBT Tip: Practice gratitude journaling. List three things each day that remind you of God’s blessings in your life, big or small. This can help shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance, lifting your mood and promoting resilience.


Practical Tips for Making Psalm 23 Part of Your Daily Life

Here are a few ways to make Psalm 23 a daily part of your journey toward healing:


  1. Start and End Your Day with Psalm 23-Recite Psalm 23 in the morning to set your intention for peace and guidance, and again before bed to release stress from the day. This can become a daily rhythm that grounds and balances you, providing stability even when life feels chaotic.

  2. Use Psalm 23 as a Meditation Practice-Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and visualize each verse. Imagine yourself lying in green pastures, walking beside still waters, and facing the valley with strength. Pair this meditation with deep breathing, allowing your mind and body to relax fully.

  3. Carry Psalm 23 with You- Write down Psalm 23 on a notecard or in a small journal. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, take a moment to read it and let its words fill you with peace and confidence. Carrying this Psalm as a physical reminder can help ground you throughout your day.

  4. Join a Supportive Community- Healing is often best done in community. Connect with others who share your faith journey. Consider joining a Bible study group, an online community, or even seeking guidance from a therapist who can help you navigate through life’s valleys.


Download My Free Psalm 23 PDF Guide

Ready to dive deeper? I’ve created a free Psalm 23 PDF Guide that walks you through each verse with exercises, visualization techniques, and breathwork. This guide has helped many of my clients find inner peace and strength, and it can help you too.

To get your copy, simply sign up for my blog and email me at diana@throughthevalleytherapy.com with the subject “Psalm 23 Please.” I’ll send the guide directly to your inbox so you can begin incorporating this powerful Psalm into your daily routine.


Heavenly Father, Thank You for being our Shepherd, guiding us through life’s valleys with love and protection. When we feel overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, or uncertainty, remind us that You are always with us. Help us to rest in Your peace, trust in Your presence, and see the blessings You’ve prepared, even in challenging times. Renew our strength and restore our souls so we can walk with courage and faith, knowing that Your goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.


Through the Valley, Together

At Through the Valley Therapy, I believe that healing is a journey, and Psalm 23 is a timeless guide. If you’re looking for support on your path—whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, or simply want to feel more at peace—I’d be honored to walk with you. My practice focuses on holistic Christian therapy, supporting you as you navigate life’s valleys with courage and faith. Reach out through my website to learn more about my services and how we can work together to find healing.


If you’re in Florida and looking for holistic Christian counseling, contact me today to learn how we can work together on your journey to healing and peace. I also have a podcast with guests that give practical tips and guidance from all walks of life! Click HERE to listen or find it on YouTube.


In Service, Faith, Hope and Love,

Diana

And now for the disclaimer to make sure you understand that YOU are responsible for YOU:

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Liberation Lunes is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The views expressed on this blog are my personal opinions and do not represent the views of any professional organizations with which I am affiliated. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) immediately. Liberation Lunes does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the blog. Reliance on any information provided by Liberation Lunes, others appearing on the blog at the invitation of Liberation Lunes, or other visitors to the blog is solely at your own risk.


Confidentiality Notice:

If you choose to engage with Liberation Lunes by commenting or posting and you are a client, please be aware that you may be revealing information that could compromise your confidentiality. Remember that disclosing your identity or personal details can be linked to your clinical material. As a therapist, I am bound by confidentiality and will not respond to any disclosures of this nature on this blog. I am committed to upholding the ethics and confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship, which extends to all forms of communication, following the laws and professional guidelines that govern mental health professionals. Your privacy is of utmost importance, and you are responsible for protecting it when interacting on this platform or any other public forum.


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