While sitting around the dinner table with your family, you fabricate a smile, dig into your food and hope nobody asks about your day. But then, without delay, your spouse speaks up—and asks the very question you don’t want to answer. Do you tell him you’ve been harboring stress and anxiety? Do you tell him your stretch of odd behavior is because you’re concerned about your financial struggles? Do you tell him you’ve been a mess for weeks?

“My day was fine,” you respond. “How was yours?” He pauses for a moment, and gives you a confused look, but continues to tell you about his chaotic day at work.

Have you been here before?

Maybe you’re on the verge of losing your job. Ashamed and overwhelmed, you refuse to tell anyone—including your spouse. But the pain and uncertainty has begun to dig deep. Or maybe you’re concerned about your father’s declining health. You love him dearly, but you’ve begun to fear the worst. Unsure how to respond, you’ve let your anxiety build up. And now you feel exhausted.

Where can you turn?

You can start by meditating on messages of hope and healing found in God’s Word. These five Psalms will get you started:

1. Psalm 27:1 (GNTD)
   The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.
2. Psalm 94:18-19 (GNTD)
   I said, “I am falling”; but your constant love, O Lord, held me up. Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad.
3. Psalm 34:17-18 (GNTD)
   The righteous call to the Lord, and he listens; he rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope.
4. Psalm 23:4 (GNTD)
   Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.
5. Psalm 121:1-3 (GNTD)
   I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you fall; your protector is always awake.