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
M.T.H., listen to Lily’s wise words. We are humans so susceptible to the Devils pull but God’s words and the assurance that our sins have already been forgiven are our rocks. We’ve all fallen into the depths but never lose sight of the sunlight above. Keep the faith, you will overcome, and each time it will be easier for you to fight because we are with you. Please keep in touch.
M.T.H
I have just come back from a church service specifically speaking about the spirit of depression and how Satan uses that to take strong hold over our lives. One thing you must remember is that fighting with the armor of God is the most powerful tool you have against anything satanic. When you are distracted from the Bible and adhere to it , satan is winning . You must go against those distractions and fight those thoughts telling u to do it later. If you are able to recognize Satan , which you are , that tells me that u are stronger than you think. U are aware that Satan is present in your life which means u are equipped to fight him. Alot of people aren’t aware of Satan and he can easily manipulate them. I will pray for you but u also should work on building your prayer life and never surrender.
Amen and prayers to you
Remember you are stronger than you think!
I have been living a life of depression for more years than I can remember. My feelings of worthless, no self worth, no self esteem and all that goes with depression has taken over my life. I don’t care about much of anything and stay away from people because I don’t fit in am never contacted by those that know of depression. People don’t want to be around someone with a mind set of doom and gloom. If anyone cared and many do I would feel like people care. This life I lead is frightening to me. There are days I don’t feel like it would matter if I was dead. Nobody would notice. The scripture in First Peter that says ” Cast All your anxiety on him because he cares for me “(Bible says you). I feel sometimes I have failed God with my wasted life. When I read my Bible or think about reading my Bible I can sense Satan trying to get me to wait until later, read your other book. he puts doubts in my mind about God. I live a battle everyday. Please pray for me.
Good thoughts. Just one thing, don’t suffer guilt about feeling rejected, abandoned, unloved (all part of Satan’s gift of depression) but never forget that God has given you what you need to conquer!
Hi kay
Thank you very much. I’m trying to keep perspective that nothing stays the same forever but it is tough when you’re in the battle. I truly appreciate your thoughtsand prayers and I hope that you are well.
Love
Lily
I have been going through of seasons of despair and depression from time to time myself. The truth is..it hurts
!! Inflicted by circumstances of disapointments, betrayals, loss of loved ones or job, divorce, trauma, sickness, finacial crises and other set backs will often cause us to step back and makes us feel even more alone, worthless, unwanted, frustrated and sad; we tend to isolate ourselves, yet we become more lonely and depressed. You know, our feelings are fickle, they are real and so is emotional pain and wounds. As a Christian I would feel guilty for feeling these things such as being rejected, misunderstood, abandonded, unloved or people can’t relate to me, or whom to trust nor want to take time to listen.
Remembering, that we do live in a fallen world, Jesus is the only answer!!! There are two kingdoms, there is light and there is darkness! So let’s remember in our sufferings that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against dark forces and evil pricipalities. We are dealing here with “evil Spirits” such as heaviness, fear, depression, oppression, infirmities, dispair, hopelessness and others alike. The good news is God’s word is our weapon, it’s our sword! Jesus defeated Satan with the word. Matt
, chapter 4. And with the blood he shed on the cross for you and I.
So it’s important to understand what we are speaking , how and what we pray and our loud proclaim his word! When we pray, God hears us, and we come in agreegrement with His living word and will for our lives and circustances!! His word is truth, life and power! Life and death is in the power of our tongue. Nothing changes when we habitually speak negative, we may even cause our prayers to be nullified. His promises are for us, his children, therefore speak life over your circumstances, declare them over your lives!! Renew your mind with the word of God as you meditate on his word. Faith mixed with God’s word produces great power. So, don’t ponder on the problems, mediate on God’s goodness instead! God is bigger then any problems you may face. By prayer, supplication and thanksgiving bring your request before him! Focus on Him, Jesus..God will give you his peace! Let faith arise again in your heart, as you think about what the Lord has brought you through, he so loves you!!! Trust the Lord even when you can’t see the answer yet. We walk by Faith not by sight, so walk it out. May the joy of the Lord be your strength!! Believe in yourself, with Gods grace, strength and help you will overcome. You are a Victor!!. I pray God’s anointing to break off darkness and heaviness of of you in Jesus mighty name!! May his peace, love, joy fill you now with new strength and health. Please know, God has a good plan for your life! He is near to all the broken-hearted. He will never leave nor forsake you, He is with you always! May you feel his love and his embrace today, filling your heart anew with hope and know he has good thoughts and plans for your life! Don’t believe the lies of the enemy, you are Abba’s previous child, fearful and wonderfully made! Much love, grace and blessings!
I think most of us have been there – but trust me, it passes, and you will feel joy agan. To be honest, even that may pass (part of the devil’s gift of depression) and you’ll think you’re back to square one but you are not, because you’ve already been through it and you know you can do it again. That is God’s gift to us!
It works
I’m greatfull this bible verses are touching and there is a lot to learn on how to cope with life challenges since yesterday I was under pressure feeling so depresses like I can stop going to chuch .
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Madison,
Thank you for your warm prayers and for reaching out to me. I truly appreciate it. I really do. It has and is rough and I do want to use god for his impeccable strength .
Please keep me in constant prayers as I keep you in mine
I’m 28 and have been experiencing depression and worrying about my return to work and if I’ll be able to keep a job also. Would u like to email me just to talk a little ?
Happy Monday Lily!
We are put on this earth to be a beacon of light to others in their days of darkness. We are to be beacons of light representing our Lord Jesus Christ. I am sending you healing thoughts of returning to work. Cast all your cares and worries on the shoulders of the Lord. Let the Lord carry your burdens. Let the Lord lighten your load. God wants us to be happy and not shed a tear. I pray that you have a wonderful and welcoming time going back to work and may everyone embrace you with open arms. May you embrace your workplace and everyone in it with open arms and May your job be secured in the name of the Lord! In Jesus Name, Amen.
Here’s to a new day..A new day that the Lord has made and may you be blessed in it. God Bless you.
Sincerely,
Madison
Lily, thinking of you, your health, your job, your life, and asking God’s continued blessings.
It’s hard for me to keep a job with my Depression. I am 27 years old now and I just feel lost in what im supposed to do with my life or what God has in store for me
IS anyone there now??
Mel – How are you doing? We love you. Rex
Thank you for all of your kind words.
They are truly greatly appreciated
I will pray they removed it all, your treatments will be successful, and God will grant you many more years of a happy life! Blessings
Kay,
I am okay, sorry
I did have breast cancer but I had surgery on Friday so I should be fine just in a little pain right now.
Sorry for the late answer
Cling to the knowledge that God will never forsake you…..
I want to give my life to God. I want to be a good wife, mother, daughter, sister… person in general. I have struggled with drug addiction since i was 21. I am now 32. My husband is incarcerated. He was strong and ready to turn to God. I have failed him as a wife since February. Please pray for me. I have been praying for hours and i will not stop. I know the Holy Spirit is working in me as i type this. I will not give in to the evil sinful ways of my past. God is with me. God has always been with me, i was just blinded by the darkness of hopelessness to know that. I will be strong for my husband. God will lift me if ever i fall again. Thank u Lord my savior for loving me. Thank u for shinning ur light in my husband and filling his heart with love and forgiveness for neither of us will ever fully understand the pain we have inflicted onto others. Thank u
I don’t think you do answer him. It sounds like he’s not going to change his view and meanwhile your daughter is suffering. Maybe she should pursue her faith and whatever medical attention she needs without disclosing everything to boyfriend. Tell her to hang n there. Anyone have better advice?
My daughters boyfriend told her he does not believe that there is a biological side to depression and therefor he does not believe in it she need to pray it away. He turns the condition to the fact that then her relationship with God is not right because if she just pray it will be cured. It hurts alot because she has loves God and she believe in all these scriptures that it can be managed. How do you answer someone that makes comments like this.
ColdandWarm, how are you? How were your tests? You’ve been in prayer.
Thank you Kay…
ColdandWarm warm, don’t worry! Whatever it is will be taken care of and you will be healthy. In my prayers.
Rex, Kay,
I am nervous because I have many symptoms for breast cancer…
I really don’t know what to do other than pray…
I have a doctor’s appointment set up…