The nightmares arrive without warning, dragging you back to a battlefield thousands of miles away. Crowds feel threatening, unexpected sounds make you jump, and the person you were before deployment feels like a stranger. If you’re a veteran struggling with PTSD, or you are trying to support a partner with PTSD, you know that the wounds of war don’t always bleed visibly. Sometimes the deepest injuries are carried in the mind and heart, invisible to others but devastatingly real to those who bear them.
Post-traumatic stress isn’t a sign of weakness or spiritual failure. It’s a normal human response to abnormal experiences. Even biblical warriors faced the psychological aftermath of battle. David wrote raw psalms about terror and sleepless nights, and many of his struggles mirror what we now recognize as trauma responses. The Bible doesn’t promise that faith eliminates PTSD, but it offers profound resources for healing and hope.
These verses aren’t substitutes for professional counseling or medical treatment, but they are anchors for the soul when memories feel overwhelming and the future looks uncertain. God sees every hidden battle and walks alongside those fighting invisible wars.
Bible Verses for Supporting Veterans with PTSD
1. Psalm 34:18 – The Lord Is Close to the Brokenhearted
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
New International Version (NIV)
2. Isaiah 41:10 – Do Not Fear, for I Am with You
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
3. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – The God of All Comfort
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
New King James Version (NKJV)
4. Psalm 23:4 – Even Though I Walk Through the Darkest Valley
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
New Living Translation (NLT)
5. Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to Me, All Who Are Weary
Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6. Psalm 147:3 – He Heals the Brokenhearted
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
7. 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast All Your Anxiety on Him
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
King James Version (KJV)
8. Romans 8:26 – The Spirit Intercedes for Us
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
9. Psalm 42:11 – Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul?
Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.
The Message (MSG)
10. 2 Timothy 1:7 – God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of sound judgment.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
11. Psalm 46:1-2 – God Is Our Refuge and Strength
God is our secure shelter and mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the sea.
New English Translation (NET)
12. Isaiah 43:2 – When You Pass Through the Waters
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and the flame will not consume you.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
13. Psalm 55:22 – Cast Your Burdens on the Lord
Leave your worries with the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will never let good people down.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
14. John 16:33 – In This World You Will Have Trouble
I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!
Good News Translation (GNT)
15. Psalm 3:3-5 – You Are a Shield Around Me
But Lord, you are my shield, my wonderful God who gives me courage. I pray to you, and you answer from your sacred hill. I sleep and wake up refreshed because you, Lord, protect me.
New Century Version (NCV)
16. Isaiah 26:3 – Perfect Peace
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
International Standard Version (ISV)
17. Psalm 91:4-5 – He Will Cover You with His Feathers
He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be a shield and wall. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.
Tree of Life Version (TLV)
18. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – My Grace Is Sufficient for You
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Lexham English Bible (LEB)
19. Philippians 4:6-7 – Do Not Be Anxious About Anything
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
World English Bible (WEB)
20. Psalm 27:1 – The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation
Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
American Standard Version (ASV)
21. Isaiah 40:29-31 – He Gives Strength to the Weary
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
22. Psalm 139:23-24 – Search Me, God, and Know My Heart
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
New American Bible (NAB)
23. Lamentations 3:22-23 – His Compassions Never Fail
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Douay-Rheims Bible (DRB)
24. Psalm 30:5 – Weeping May Endure for a Night
For his anger is but for a moment; his favour is for a life-time: weeping may tarry for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.
English Revised Version (ERV)
25. Psalm 121:1-2 – I Lift Up My Eyes to the Mountains
I lift up mine eyes unto the hills, Whence doth my help come? My help is from Jehovah, Who made heaven and earth.
Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)
26. Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Darby Translation (DARBY)
27. Psalm 62:1-2 – Truly My Soul Finds Rest in God
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
Weymouth New Testament (WNT)
28. Job 3:25-26 – What I Feared Has Come Upon Me
For Y dredde, and that that Y dredde cam to me; and that that Y was agast bifelde. Whether Y dissymelide not? whether Y was not stille? whether Y restide not? and indignacioun cam on me.
Wycliffe Bible (WYC)
29. Psalm 40:1-2 – He Lifted Me Out of the Slimy Pit
I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined vnto me, and heard my cry. He brought me also out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feete vpon the rocke, and ordered my goings.
Geneva Bible (GNV)
30. Nahum 1:7 – The Lord Is Good, a Refuge in Times of Trouble
The Lorde is good, and a stronge holde in the day of trouble: and he knoweth them that trust in hym.
Bishop’s Bible
31. Hebrews 4:15-16 – We Have a High Priest Who Sympathizes
For we haue not an hye preste, which can not haue compassion on oure infirmities: but was in all poyntes tempted, lyke as we are: yet with out synne. Let vs therfore goo boldely vnto the seate of grace, that we maye receaue mercy, and fynde grace to helpe in tyme of nede.
Tyndale Bible
32. Psalm 73:26 – My Flesh and My Heart May Fail
My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
The Living Bible (TLB)
33. Isaiah 54:17 – No Weapon Forged Against You Will Prevail
But no weapon that is used against you will defeat you. You will show that those who speak against you are wrong. These are the good things my servants receive. Their victory comes from me, says the Lord.
The Passion Translation (TPT)
34. Psalm 61:2-3 – Lead Me to the Rock That Is Higher Than I
From the ends of the earth, I cry out to You when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is higher than I am, for You have been my refuge, a tower of strength in the face of the enemy.
The Voice Bible (VOICE)
35. 3 John 1:2 – I Pray That You May Enjoy Good Health
Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is.
New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Supporting Veterans with PTSD
Scripture acknowledges the reality of trauma without shame or judgment. King David, a warrior himself, wrote extensively about terror, sleepless nights, and overwhelming anxiety that we now recognize as symptoms of PTSD. His raw honesty in the Psalms validates that even people of great faith can struggle with the psychological aftermath of traumatic experiences.
What I find most compelling is how the Bible presents healing as both divine intervention and human process. God comforts us so that we can comfort others, suggesting that recovery often involves community support and shared experience. The emphasis on professional help, medical treatment, and counseling aligns with biblical wisdom about using all available means of healing.
The biblical approach to trauma recovery emphasizes patience with the healing process. There’s no timeline pressure or expectation of instant restoration. Instead, Scripture offers hope that weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning, acknowledging both the reality of pain and the promise of eventual healing. This perspective permits veterans to struggle while maintaining hope for recovery.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, You see the battles that continue long after the war has ended. You understand the invisible wounds that no medal can honor and the nightmares that no parade can heal. Thank You for knowing the cost of service in ways that go far deeper than physical scars. We bring before You our veterans who carry the weight of traumatic memories.
Lord, You are close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit. Draw near to those struggling with PTSD. When flashbacks intrude, be their peace. When anxiety overwhelms, be their calm. When guilt and shame whisper lies, remind them of their worth and honor. Surround them with people who understand without judgment.
Guide them to skilled counselors, effective treatments, and supportive communities. Help their families learn how to love them through this journey. Give wisdom to medical professionals treating trauma. Use their experiences to bring healing to others walking similar paths.
Transform their pain into purpose, their wounds into wisdom, and their struggles into strength that can encourage other warriors fighting invisible battles.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Evang. Anabelle Thompson is the founder of Believers Refuge, a Scripture-based resource that helps Christians to find biblical guidance for life’s challenges.
With over 15 years of ministry experience and a decade of dedicated Bible study, she creates content that connects believers with relevant Scripture for their daily struggles.
Her work has reached over 76,000 monthly readers (which is projected to reach 100,000 readers by the end of 2025) seeking practical faith applications, biblical encouragement, and spiritual guidance rooted in God’s Word.
She writes from personal experience, having walked through seasons of waiting, breakthrough, and spiritual growth that inform her teaching.
Evang. Thompson brings 12 years of active ministry and evangelism experience, along with over 10 years of systematic Bible study and theological research.
As a former small group leader and Sunday school teacher, she has published over 200 biblical resources and devotional studies.
She specializes in applying Scripture to everyday life challenges and regularly studies the original Hebrew and Greek texts for a deeper biblical understanding.