Healing After Narcissistic Abuse: Finding Peace and Strength in Psalm 23

Psalm 23, often referred to as “The Lord is my shepherd,” is a powerful passage for Catholics recovering from narcissistic abuse. It speaks to the deep comfort, healing, and restoration that can be found in God, especially when someone has walked through the “darkest valleys” of emotional and psychological trauma.

1. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

For those who have experienced narcissistic abuse, this verse serves as a reminder that God is our ultimate provider and protector. Narcissists often create an environment of dependency, where the victim feels they cannot function without the narcissist’s approval or presence. This passage reassures us that with God as our shepherd, we lack nothing. He will supply all our needs, not in the distorted, conditional way the narcissist does, but with unconditional love and care.

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

Narcissistic abuse can leave a person feeling emotionally drained, confused, and spiritually depleted. In these verses, God is portrayed as a healer who brings us to places of peace, rest, and restoration. After being in an abusive relationship where the mind and soul are constantly in turmoil, this image of being led to still waters is a promise of the deep peace that God offers. God’s presence can restore the parts of us that have been damaged, renewing our sense of worth and dignity.

3. “He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.”

Narcissists often distort reality and manipulate the truth, leaving victims unsure of what’s right or wrong. But God, as our shepherd, guides us on the right path, helping us discern truth from lies. In recovery, this means trusting that God will lead us in the direction of healing and wholeness. We don’t need to navigate the complex emotions of recovery alone—God is guiding us, and His way is always grounded in truth, love, and justice.

4. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.”

For many survivors, leaving a narcissistic relationship feels like walking through a dark valley. It can be a time of fear, uncertainty, and emotional pain. This verse is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, God is with us. His “rod and staff” symbolize His protection and guidance, offering comfort when we feel vulnerable and alone. This presence reassures us that we are not abandoned; God walks with us through the hardest parts of recovery, providing the strength to keep going.

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

Narcissists thrive on control and power, often making their victims feel powerless. This verse reminds us that, in God, we are honored and uplifted, even in the presence of those who have harmed us. God prepares a feast for us, symbolizing the abundance of His grace and love. The image of our “cup overflowing” suggests that despite the abuse, God’s blessings are more than enough to fill the empty spaces in our hearts. The narcissist’s attempts to diminish us are powerless in the face of God’s favor.

6. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.”

Survivors of narcissistic abuse often struggle to feel secure or safe, but this verse offers a promise of lasting protection and peace. God’s goodness and mercy follow us, pursuing us throughout our lives. This is not a temporary respite, but a lifelong promise of God’s enduring presence and love. Even after the abuse, God’s house is our eternal refuge—a place of peace where we can finally feel at home, secure in our identity as His beloved children.

Conclusion:

For Catholics recovering from narcissistic abuse, Psalm 23 is a beautiful reminder that God is the ultimate healer and protector. In Him, we find rest, peace, and the assurance that we are never alone. While the narcissist may have caused deep wounds, God leads us to healing and wholeness, offering us a new life filled with His goodness and mercy. As we walk through recovery, we can trust that God is guiding us every step of the way, providing comfort, restoration, and a future filled with hope.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;

3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.

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

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.