Depression is something that many people struggle with throughout their lives. Sometimes depression lasts for only a few weeks. For others, the mental health condition can last months or return years later. Chronic depression can coexist with other mental disorders.
The Bible provides an oasis of life-giving water for our souls amid depression. Scripture refers to God’s word as the sword of the Spirit. It is helpful in building up faith, getting through challenging circumstances, and living victoriously in Christ Jesus. When you need strength, it is wise to keep a collection of Bible verses about depression on hand.
Is depression a common mental disorder?
The rate of depression cases has risen since the beginning of the pandemic. The World Health Organization reports that there has been a 25% rise in anxiety and depression from the pandemic. This is from a worldwide perspective.
Knowing that increased anxiety and depression are global issues, we must seek treatment and immerse ourselves in solid biblical principles to overcome depression. Depression left untreated can lead to self-harm and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Depression on its own has several conditions but, as identified by a Christian Counselor, can also coexist with other mental health disorders like:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Postpartum Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse
- Anxiety Disorders
Jesus knows our pain. He, Himself, felt deeply troubled at times. You are not alone, and you can turn to this verse for comfort.
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” – John 12:27-28, NIV
Bible verses about depression.
God is aware of the feelings of depression, whether they are caused by grief or loss, trauma, failures, or something internal, like a chemical imbalance. You are not broken, but it can feel that way. Even Jeremiah languished, “You who are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me.” (Jeremiah 8:18, NIV) When you feel hopeless, your soul cries out.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. – Proverbs 13:12, NIV
It’s common to feel like hope is out of reach when you are depressed. But God will renew your hope and heal your heart, and you can rediscover hope by seeking counseling.
My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive thong. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:3-5, NIV
There is nothing permanently wrong with you. It may take treatment to help lift you from depression, but know that God (and His strength) is with you through it all.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18, NIV
God is always with us, but sometimes we cannot feel His presence. Sometimes the chaos of the world, our responsibilities, and our thoughts and emotions try to mute God’s voice within us. It is often through hardships and depression that we come to Him with our hearts wide open.
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. – Psalm 130:1-2, NIV
God understands the human emotion of sadness and the tendency toward depression. He understands, not only because He created us, but because Jesus felt all these emotions – yet, did not sin.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28, NIV
If you feel burdened by depression, God will give you the comfort and rest you need. Not just physical relief, but spiritual relief from the heaviness of your problems as you seek His presence.
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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV
When you feel weak in your depression, turn to God and ask for His grace. Your weaknesses will not discourage you as much when you know that the almighty God will work through them.
When Jesus saw her (Mary) weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled . . . Jesus wept. – John 11:33, 35, NIV
God feels deeply for us. He knows the hurts we endure because of this fallen world, yet He does not want us to stay depressed or troubled.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. – Psalm 40:2, NIV
God wants us to reach out and help others struggling through the same thing. We can share Bible verses about depression with others, join them in praise and worship, or spend time with them, listening to them pour out their heart.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV
We can use our experiences with depression to help others overcome it. If you are struggling, tell a trusted friend or mentor and contact a Christian counselor for help.
Combatting depression.
Overcoming depression is more than just painting a smile on your face or texting a happy face emoji to your best friend. It begins with a mindset shift and learning how to identify negative thoughts and emotions will help you work through why you have depression. Once you can determine the why for your problems, you can seek proper treatment.
A mental health professional will offer suggestions based on your circumstances and the severity of your depression. Along with treatment, there are other things you can do to boost your mood and fill your heart with joy.
Study Bible verses about depression. God’s Word convicts, encourages, and produces joy in our hearts. You can choose to write down the Bible verses in this post or use a Bible app to highlight your favorite verses. The Bible is a lamp and shines into the darkness.
Journal your thoughts and emotions. Allowing negative thoughts to simmer in our minds does not do us any good. Instead, consider putting pen to paper and letting those thoughts out. You never have to share your words with others, but just the act of writing and getting them out of your head can help you feel lighter.
Take a walk outdoors. There is something about getting out in nature and taking a walk, elevating your heart rate, and breathing fresh air that can do wonders to your mind and perspective.
Spend time with friends.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17, NIV
Friends are meant to help carry a burden. If you have a friend you trust, think about sharing your troubles. Sharing will lighten the load, and your friend may be able to offer suggestions, or at the very least, support you in your decisions.
Volunteer to serve others. Depression has a way of pulling all our focus onto that emotion. Helping others forces your mind and heart to consider others and show empathy. You can volunteer at your local church or community center.
Set new goals. Having a dream and working towards it gives you a reason to wake up in the morning and leaves you feeling accomplished. Choose realistic goals that are also challenging and work towards those. When you achieve them, set another set of goals.
When depression feels hard.
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. – Psalm 126:5, NIV
When depression feels hard, there is hope. Arming yourself with Bible verses for depression is the first step. Reach out to a Counselor at San Diego Christian Counseling today for an assessment. Counselors create customized mental health plans using evidence-based techniques and faith-based concepts. Contact a counselor today and break free from depression.
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