Depression is real, and if you are fighting it you are not alone. Depression seems to have been the bane of many of life’s great leaders. In the Bible, Moses, Elijah, David, and Job all had to deal with it. In the secular world, Sir Winston Churchill used to call depression his ‘black dog’, and Ernest Hemingway referred to it as ‘the artist’s reward’.
President Abraham Lincoln battled depression and suicide all his adult life. There were times when for his own safety Lincoln would not allow himself to carry a knife, for fear that he would hurt himself, or worse. Read about Lincoln turning to the Bible to relieve his depression. Let the Scriptures help you just like they have helped so many of us. Sometimes depression can be a purely spiritual thing, read this – Depression Is a Spirit – It Must Be Fought with the Word of God.
Depression is the physical and emotional result of hopelessness – the ‘feeling‘ of hopelessness. We live in a world devoid of hope, and depression is the emotional product of that reality. The only thing that will actually change one’s life sufficiently as to destroy the cause, mechanics, and effects of depression is God’s hope and His word of hope. The answer is to get God’s hope back inside of you.
Hope will let you again see the ‘future positive possibility’ of your life. Without seeing it you will have no motivation or strength. The good Word of God, and the good word of others to you, can change the outlook and condition of your heart. Fight for God’s outlook with all you have. Fight it with the Word of God. (Also, confess the scriptures on Hopelessness.) Anyone who is among the living has hope.
God’s hope encourages, motivates, and keeps you on the road to faith, peace, and victory. And if you suffer from deep ongoing depression, get help. And please read this – Helping Others Is God’s Prescription for Depression. Send me a comment, we love you and we want to help you. You are important and you have value. You are not alone. With God’s help, you will climb out of this hole.
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down (depression), but a good word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25 Holman Christian Standard Bible
These scriptures on depression will give you hope and will build your faith. Confess and meditate on them to win the fight against depression. The key is not losing Hope. Allow the hope of God to seep back into you. Remember, there is a real Person (God) behind each and every one of these promises. He promised them to you for a reason – to help you.
Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 33:27 – The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
2 Samuel 22:17-22 – He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters; (18) He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me. (19) They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. (20) He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me. (21) The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. (22) For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
2 Samuel 22:29 – You are my lamp O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.
Ecclesiastes 9:4 – Anyone who is among the living has hope.
Psalms 9:9 – The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 31:22,24 – You heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help… Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 34:18, 19 – The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (19) A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.
Psalm 37:23-24 – If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumbles, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 43:5 – Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God.
Psalm 55:22 – Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 62:5 – Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 126:5 – Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 143:7-8 – Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I’ll lift up my soul.
Psalm 147:3 – He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 145:14 – The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
Proverbs 12:25 – Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down (depression), but a good word cheers it up.
Isaiah 26:3-4, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusts in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. (Perfect means complete. If I keep my part of the promise by staying steadfastly focused on the Lord Jesus Christ, He will keep His promise to give me His perfect peace. See also Philippians 4:6-7 below)
Isaiah 35:10 – And the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away
Isaiah 40:31, But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 53:4 – Surely he took up our sicknesses and carried our sorrows.
Mark 9:23 – Everything is possible for him who believes.
Romans 4:18-22 – Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, so shall they seed be. (19) And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: (20) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. (21) And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able to perform. (22) And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
II Corinthians 7:6-7 – Nevertheless, God, that comforts, those that are depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus; (7) And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
James 4:8 – Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
2 Peter 2:9 – The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials.
1 Peter 4:12 – Dear Friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Peter 4:13 – But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed
1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Read how Lincoln Turned to the Bible to Manage His Depression and other articles: Scriptures Against Hopelessness – Scriptures Against Worry – New Testament Scriptures on Faith & Believing – Do God’s Promises Cover What You Want?
Comments
I suspect I have depression. I am always in hurry and anxious that I can’t finish my job on time. Whoever in my way will be reprimand by me. My relationship with other is strained. I feel guilty and does not like this type of life and at the same time I feel the wold is very cold toward me. I am full of negative thought. I hope through exercise and reading God words, I can find a light of hope again.
I just heard from a dear friend of mine, and she has joined a gang, overdosed, tried to kill herself, and ended up in a coma. Please please please pray for her, she is a wonderful young girl, but she needs prayers to help her.
Yes! 🙂 God bless you Dave, and thank you for all of your words of encouragement on this website!
I pray for all of you who have commented on here. You all are very sweet and I never thought that people would care enough to even give their time to me. I am not deserving, but I am ever so grateful. Troubles are sure to come throughout life, but without darkness no light can be seen, and even if you feel weak and small you as a child of God have the power of Him in you and can defeat any trail that lays in your way. You all are so amazing, and I thank you so much!!!!!
Amen to that..Through the power of our Lord..we band together to defeat the burden of the enemy!
Kay, what you said is very true. When people we don’t even know reach out to help us it means very much. I once met a person who let me cry on her without knowing what was wrong or knowing me very well and she saved my life. I came and here and I did find much encouragement. This is truly the work of the Father in people, and I can see now that we weren’t ment to walk this journey alone and he gives us his children to help us through. God bless you!
I am here with a full heart. I have seen God’s loving and protective arms encircling Lonely Soul and Cold and Warm, bringing two persons in need together and letting you both know you are strong and worthy and in control of your life. I think each of you saved the other and that is really fantastic. I also know how much good Rex has done with this site. People around you can tell you things but sometimes it has more impact if someone who doesn’t know you reaches out to say they care. That is what Rex did to me and I will never forget his words of love and comfort. That is what we all must be for each other. What a miracle we’ve all come together. Praise the Lord.
Kay – You are so sweet. We are working on a better way for people just like you and ColdandWarm to be able to communicate with each other in a safe environment. We are looking at starting a Facebook group page but I am concerned about keeping the wolves out.
We love you all, and God is the great encourager. His word works down deep in us even when we do not feel it. It goes deeper than all the other stuff and makes all the ouchies go bye bye in Jesus Name. Rex
Hi,
Can u guys pray and pray for I am so facing difficulties. As I mentioned I hv a dog in wish he is as I call him a therapy dog/service dog for my PTSD. I hv informed since I don’t hv legal documents showing what he is being trained for I am facing to move out by the end of March. If it’s not one thing is another. I’m so mad. Please I need advises n prayers.
Kay, I also am encouraged how one person is willing to reach out to another, even when the two have never met. I think this is an example of the body of Christ at work.
The message today for me was about doubt in faith. Very good message for this time 🙂
Look at a blessing received this morning I gained a friend. :)) so sweet. Service is always important. In the house of God we find peace n joy. I was multitasking this morning. The message this morning was to forgive and love those that hurt u. I will pray for my enemies so they may receive and accept Jesus as their Savior. I cast my burdens unto Jesus Christ
🙂 well church is soon. God bless you my friend, I hope the days and years to come bring you much joy!
See at the end, I can sense a huge smile across ur face :)) God is good. We both helped each other today. ?? ???
Did you? That is great 🙂 I just rescued a puppy, my parents didn’t agree but I couldn’t help it, I am working on house training with her. I call her my little Z-baby but her name is Xena. She is a beautiful German Shepherd I love her so much ^-^ 🙂
It has been a pleasure to be able to talk to you! You helped very much.
Coldandwarm,
You are worthy to me. It’s normal to have bad dreams when u are going through much. What is not normal is for some people to say the opposite since they haven’t walked in ur shoes. Everyone have nightmares as we call them. I remember praying opening my bible and reading psalms and also calling out loud the name of Jesus. It takes time you are not alone. Have patience n faith don’t get discouraged. Refocus again n again block those bad thoughts. Talk, laugh smile and write what u feel here. I like this page. No one knows me and yet I find peace, compassion and advises. We are Christians and each one of these people here face their struggles n love to share it to find peace, love, compassion,etc. so we don’t feel alone. And we are helping each other. We pray we are grateful.
So funny u mentioned animals I rescued 3 in which it’s taking me long to train. But they are my kids and so I spent my time with.
Great talking to you, it’s an honor n I hope anything I said in some way help u. God bless you
Lonely Soul: thank you very much! I won’t let anyone hurt me again. I enjoy practicing my violin so I spend my days doing mostly that and staying caught up on homework and stuff. I find it easier to just distract myself as much as I can. My councelor has me doing something calming before I go to sleep and then asking myself a bunch on questions that are supposed to calm me down, it’s not working well though, I’ve been holding off on sleep because of a dream I had a few days ago. I also love animals so I’ll spend a lot of my time volunteering at animal shelter and training dogs and things like that. You are very kind to give sone of your time to me, I am not deserving of it, but I am very grateful.
I’m glad to hear that that individual is no where near u. No matter who it may be don’t let anyone hurt or try to hurt u again. And I thank u so much for being such a wonderful so well grounded teen. You my dear will have a remarkable future. I can tell u are strong. Don’t do meds for depression is not good I tell u. Do what makes u happy inside be a kid my dear. Let’s see when I couldn’t sleep at ur age I use to pray, read n my escape was music n photography. Don’t let anyone take ur sunshine from u. Let’s grown people deal with their issue n u focus on ur future God n school . God bless u n protect u always.
You don’t have to be sorry. Many have worse lives than me. I have not been on medication for depression but I have been working on getting better through the years I have gone from councelor to councelor, and right now I am focusing on the dreams and getting sleep. I was getting a lot better than my friend died from cancer which left me falling again. But, as hard as it is I know time helps mend broken hearts. I am doing therapy right now, and trying really hard to hold back on self harm and suicide attempts. I have been successful for about a year! 🙂 I do not hear or see from the man who was innapropriate with me, I have not since I went to the police. I do not have any family I can trust, but I do talk to this one person whom I call Momiji, and she has taken care of me and helped me through a lot. Thank you for giving your time to talk to me, it really helps to know there’s someone who will do that.
Thank you, if I can help at least one person I consider it a success. Don’t pay attention to those people if they can’t look past what they think they see then they are missing out cuz from what I can tell you are a lovely amazing person
Lonely Soul- I have read some on your other comments, and it seems like you are judged a lot on your past. Is that correct to assume? If so, then I am very sorry. My past consists of mental hospitals because of self harm and suicide, I have broken up relationships between me and my family and there is no way I can fix that. A guy used to be innapropriate with me and I am scared to even go in the restroom. I used to have severe depression, I tried to kill myself once but I could not gather the courage. If I tell my story to people they will judge me, but the thing it’s your past, and there is nothing you can do to change your past. Such as you got into alcohol and cigarettes, but you can’t change those choices. People’s past don’t define them and if some people are to caught up to realize that then they aren’t worth it. I am still trying to realize that myself.
I’m sorry for all u hv been going through and I want u to find help. I tried to also kill myself I tried medication for depression I tried others things but it didn’t helped. Me killing myself wasn’t an option I had to make sure in my mind that wasn’t going to be an option at all no matter what. I don’t want u to end up like me is what I’m trying for u to understand. There is so much more for u than ur current situation. Don’t hurt yourself. N for that individual say no walk away get distance run from that person. Find a family member that u can trust that will n can help u. I’m sorry dear for all u hv been through.
Thank you faithmechanic I will be on tonight if I can’t be on during the day. Thank you for responding.
I’m so sorry…I have friends that have been raped and a guy used to be innapropriate with me, but I went to the police. So, though I can not fully relate to you I do have some understanding. You have been through a lot, but you still come here to help me and others, you are a wonderful person! Even though I am still a child, I spend time at both a rich and poor house, and over time I have come to realize that though money is important in this world, and it can make you more comfortable, it means nothing if you don’t have happiness. I go on mission trips, and the people there are poor, but they still have hope and find happiness. You are such a good person for coming on here to help people, that inspires many people, it’s very important and can make huge impacts on people. Thank you.
I’m not helping u at all, you are helping ME. You are an intellectual, caring and humble teen. You are brave to come here and share with others. I would love to go on mission trips n help others in need. I always talk about how I want to build a facility for children from newborn through 21 that are in much need. Trust me rape wasn’t the only thing that happend to me but it was definitely the worse. I still hv Faith n if it wasn’t for Jesus n our Heavenly Father I wouldn’t be here sharing my journey. It feel good to talk about it because I’m not a victim I don’t seek pettiness from others maybe acceptance of who I am and respect from others. But the world is filled with madness and the more anyone shares their stories the more u will be mistreated bullied n much more. I have to say that often now I get mad. That is my struggle now, anger for letting others to do things or say things to me. I do live my life distance from worldly people n what the world offers, but however I still have to work with them in order to survive. For them at work I’m a weirdo n crazy woman. I’m done doing worldly things I want to continue doing things to make me closer to Jesus n God. With God I stand firm ??
How do you guys know this faith is real? Please…I want to keep believing but it’s not easy right now
Omg you are so right when I use to filled my life with helping others at the end I felt more alone then ever because they received the help they needed from me n left me behind. So now I spent my days alone at home. No social life style at all . I don’t drink, smoke not do drugs. I don’t care of putting myself through find a Godly man anymore. It hard to connect with anyone that won’t judge others n u know u find many any where u go even at church. Our confidence comes from how we get treated at home “foundation” ( love respect support n guidance) if u never received that from ur parents or family then u go through life feeling that emptiness. I hv been raped at 7 through out hs it was hard no one to talk to n get the help I needed. So I turned to drinking n cigarettes n dating here n there. My passion were dancing, pool Billard n photography but still never filled my loneliness. Now I’m almost 40 alone no kids no man in my life no family n no friends. How boring is that!?!? Never been on vacation because I make sure all my primary bills are paid n at the end of the month I’m left with .97 no way I can go on vacation with .97 cents LOL. The great thing is that Im still alive I’m still a caring n humble person. I love to fall in love but what I hate is been used n abused n be treated in less than others because I don’t hv money or luxuries. I might don’t make sense to others but I understand myself well enough that I’m not crazy nor weird n that’s what’s matters to me. I don’t depend of others I work hard for what I need
ColdandWarm – I will respond much more later today. There is hope, there is always hope, and love. You just can’t see it right now. We love you. God loves you. Others, not all, love you.
:'( thank you guys so much…I didn’t think you guys would care very much, no one really does. Thank you for replying, I have tried what you said faithmechanic, it’s just not working as it used to… And thing about those dreams is I can’t protect the people I do dream about because they’re people that have already passed away such as my friend who offed herself and my friend who died from cancer. These deaths are so recent which separates me more from my faith. The only thing that can make me happy is my violin and talking to this person, but she is not religious and I don’t want to offend her… I just don’t know what to do anymore…I’m to afraid to ask for help but I’m slowly going back to wheRe I was before. Tuesday is my friend who passed away from cancers birthday. She would have been 13 on Tuesday. I don’t think I can do this anymore… :'(
I need prayers please…I am losing my faith… please help. My family doesn’t believe, I am alone in this. I do attend church, and it is my second home, but this is harder than I ever thought it could be…my faith is fading…
ColdandWarm – Hold on, we are praying for you. Casually read some of the other articles on this site – any that might jump out at you. God is faithful. He will see you through. It is really hard when the family is not with you. I know.
You feel alone and it seems like you are doing everything by yourself – even if you have a ‘church family.’ You must learn how to draw from God alone, in the quiet times. You have to find a way to put gas in your tank. Simple busyness will not do it, it will further drain you. When the busyness and service for others ends, there you are alone and empty. Run to the quiet and spend time with Him. He was different and alone on earth too. He knows. We love you. God loves you. Rex
Please pray to God to take the spirit of heaviness and depression away from you over and over..Pray that He fills you with the Spirit of Hope..Joy..Confidence..and Love..Rebuke the bad thoughts satan is trying to destroy you with..In the name of Jesus..Let this be done.
I am praying for all of you, I can’t imagine how much the troubles all of you are going through must hurt, but nothing is impossible with the Lord in us.
Hey, I am a thirteen year old. I come from a broken family and have 6 parents altogether. It is getting hard to believe that my father loves me, and I have basically dedicated my life to trying to impress him. He threatens to put my mom in jail constantly which scares me. I do not sleep very often because of dreams about people I care about dying. I want to have the courage to go to court and ask for my mom to have full custody but I am scared and doing that would separate me from my little brother who I love so dearly. I used to self harm and wish myself not here, and sometimes it’s hard to keep myself in the light and not in the darkness I was in before.
We lift you up in the peace and protection of God Almighty in Jesus Name! I am so sorry that you have to go through this at such a young age. It is tough at any age but more so now. I believe God will find a way to protect you and comfort you. I curse fear in Jesus Name and I am believing for supernatural Godly wisdom to guide you into what you need to do, if anything. Talk to Him and expect Him to answer. He will. Find a safe place and a safe time, and spend it with Him. Maybe really early in the morning. Talk to Him and then get quiet.
You don’t need to impress anybody. Your job as a child is to receive the love and protection from the adults around you. If they do not provide it, look to God. Expect Him to make it up. He wants to. Don’t fear that the people that do love you and protect you will die. They won’t and we curse those dreams. Your situation is bad enough without the Devil putting fears of it getting far worse. Work hard not to accept them. God loves you. You are loved and you are worthy of being loved. Even if you weren’t worthy, people should love you. That is the work of love.
I’m 18, and I am currently studying for getting into a med school. The pressure on me is way too much, and I can’t find a way to let everything go, I feel like my heart feels way too much burden and it’s too hard to handle it anymore, I really need help. Please pray for me. God bless you.