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5 Ways Writing Scripture Can Anchor Your Heart in Stressful Times

5 ways writing scripture can anchor your heart in stressful times

Ever have one of those seasons where the stress just keeps piling up? The bills, the kids’ needs, the appointments, the unexpected news… it feels like you’re juggling everything. Add in deeper struggles like health, finances, or strained relationships, and the weight can feel unbearable.

I’ve walked through seasons like that myself (I even wrote about it here in more depth, how learning to trust God in the hard times has been a real journey). And I know how easy it is to feel like the rug was pulled out from under you.

That’s where Scripture writing has been such a blessing. Not just as a “quiet time” habit, but as a faith-filled practice that calms the mind and re-centers you on what’s true.

In this post, I’ll share five ways writing God’s Word can anchor your heart in stressful seasons, blending both biblical wisdom and some surprising science behind why it works.

And because I want you to have a simple way to start right away, I’ve gathered 30 Scriptures on faith and trust into a free printable you can download today.

1. Scripture Writing Calms the Nervous System

Why it anchors the heart: Handwriting naturally slows the brain and engages fine motor skills, which can reduce anxiety. When you write God’s Word, mental energy that would normally spiral into worry is redirected toward focus and reflection.

Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Meditating on God’s Word brings real peace, even when life feels out of control.

Actionable tips:

  • When stress spikes, write a verse like Philippians 4:6–7 or flip through the Psalms and pick on.
  • Pair the writing with a few deep breaths or a quiet moment to reflect on the verse’s meaning.

2. Seeing God’s Promises in Your Own Hand

Why it anchors the heart: Writing activates your visual memory, reinforcing retention in a way that just reading can’t. Seeing God’s promises in your own handwriting makes them more personal and memorable.

Deuteronomy 6:6–9 encourages us to keep God’s Word in our hearts, talk about it, and write it down. Recording His promises helps you remember His faithfulness when you need it most.

Actionable tips:

  • Keep a journal specifically for Scripture writing that you can revisit. My notebooks work great for this. You can find them here.
  • Write out verses that speak to your current struggles or season on cards and carry them with you to pull out and read throughout the day.

3. Scripture Writing Provides Perspective in the Middle of Trials

Why it anchors the heart: When life feels overwhelming, writing out verses about God’s sovereignty or provision helps shift your focus from problems to His promises.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Writing it down helps your heart remember this truth, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Actionable tips:

  • Journal a verse alongside a current challenge, noting ways God has been faithful before.
  • Reflect on past hardships and how God brought provision, comfort, or clarity.

4. Creates a Rhythm that Strengthens Faith

Why it anchors the heart: Consistency builds habit. Daily writing Scripture creates a foundation for your day, creating stability even when your circumstances feel chaotic.

Psalm 1:2–3 reminds us, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.” Consistent engagement with God’s Word roots and nourishes your heart.

Actionable tips:

  • Schedule a short daily window for Scripture writing… morning coffee, homeschool prep, or evening reflection.
  • Use guided prompts with your verses that reflect your current season or challenges.

5. Holds Both Pain and Promise Together

Why it anchors the heart: Writing Scripture doesn’t sugarcoat life or ignore difficulties. Instead, it allows you to acknowledge your grief, stress, or fear while keeping God’s truth present. Anchoring the heart means holding onto hope in the Lord while feeling the struggle you are in.

Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us, “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.” Writing Scripture during hard seasons reminds you of His steadfast love and mercy.

Actionable tips:

  • Write honestly about the hard parts of your day, then follow with a verse of hope or promise.
  • Close with a short reflection or prayer affirming trust in God’s faithfulness.

Final Thought

Writing Scripture anchors your heart in multiple ways: it calms your mind, helps you see God’s promises, provides perspective in trials, creates a stabilizing rhythm, and allows you to hold both pain and hope. Even one small practice today, like writing a single verse and meditating on it, can begin to center your heart and connect you more deeply to God’s presence.

If you want to put it to the test, grab my free Write the Scripture printable to begin building these habits today.

Grab your Write the Scripture printable below!

With you in the messy middle,

Ashley Marie

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