Grief-and-Depression350-webDepression 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 HopelessnessScriptures Against WorryNew Testament Scriptures on Faith & BelievingDo God’s Promises Cover What You Want?

Comments

  1. Would god ever leave a certain thought in your head to where you believe it would happen but then it won’t happen?

  2. Thank you so much needed some inspiration Kay n you right he not gonna forsake me

  3. Brandon, hang in there, you know God will not forsake you, you will get through this trial. Blessings

  4. Need a powerful prayer going through something that can change my life forever and I know god got me it just sometimes get to me

    1. Author

      Brandon – I totally agree with Kay above. God will get you through this. Give Him a chance. Let His word seep deep into your heart. Allow it to comfort you and motivate you. Let it guide you. He will not fail. We love you. Rex

  5. my heart is so troubled and downcast right now. It’s like my whole life just crumbled. Pls I need all your prayers to help me come out of the situation am in right now. Was looking for scriptures to encourage myself with and I found this site. I still trust God and I still believe in his word.

    1. Author

      Beautiful – We love you and are praying for you in Jesus Name. Start at the front – here – of our site and read anything that jumps out at you.

      Also, read about depression. It is usually as spirit (demon) that takes advantage of an event in our lives – like a death or a family separation. Read this – Depression Is a Spirit – It Must Be Fought with the Word of God and You’ve Got to Have Hope.

      Read the word of God and speak it. Do it even (especially) if you do not feel like or feel anything. The things of God are spiritual and not emotional. You don’t always feel God working inside but He is. It shows up later on the outside.

      God is big enough, and faithful enough, and loving enough to help you. He moves by faith but His mercy is always within reach. We love you. Rex

  6. Please read and reread Psalm 42-43 about one man’s battle with that internal enemy depression and his victory through faith. Blessings.

  7. Thank you for taking the time to listen to the Holy Spirit. I’ve been battling depression my entire life. Really hurts. Yet, my Savior is King of Kings, my Savior is Lord of Lords. Jesus is God. Thy rod and thy staff comfort me. I’ve been down yet the hope of Jesus has set me free!

  8. HOW TO FIGHT DEPRESSION. 1.fill your mind with the word of God. Romans 8 vs 31. Romans 8 vs 37. 1john 4 vs 4. Spirit of heaviness is d cause of d depression. When he puts hurting toughts on you , reply him back with d word of God above with ur mouth or mind. Tell him you defeated him by blood of Jesus. Ignore d thoughts sometimes and fill your mind with good things praising God. The enemy will flee he cannot stand d word of Jesus.make sure you receive Jesus Christ, confess ur sins to Him and tell Him to come and be your savior and friend. So when d demon flees and try to come back , behold nomore space for him. Jesus have filled d spaces in u. Make sure u do not go back to sinful life to maintain your healing. AM A LIVING TESTIMONY. Can inbox me for more details. Jesus will surely set you free. In Jesus name Amen. Chris

  9. Paul, are you on medication or seeing a therapist or anything? Meds don’t mean weakness.

  10. Kay

    I have done those things, been involved at church, read scripture but I can only do it until the depression comes back then I am too exhausted and down to continue. Then it’s even worse because I have to drag myself up if possible, no thanks to God, and try to start all over if I have the strength. All the scripture and church doesn’t work for me. Clearly it’s just something that I had better learn to live with or die with.

  11. I suffered from deep depression after going through so many losses in my life. I took.myself the my doctor one day and asked for antidepressants but she advised me to go for counselling instead. Counselling didnt help and because i had no other option, i wanted to try the integrity of God’s word for what it says. I was desperate to break away from that dark crowd which followed me everywhere. You see, i neede to look after my 3 little kids properly. One day i was listening to Pastor John Hagee preaching about overcoming depression. I was already christian and this caught my attention. He quoted the scripture on Matthew6:25-34. It simply talks about not worrying because God knows already what we need. Though it didnt really talk about depression, i used this verse to raise my hopes on God believing that He really knows that i needed healing from depression. I had been already praying about it depression but it didnt change. So i decided to change instead. I noticed the parterns of my depression that i always had a sort of relief everytime i prayed but after a while i felt worse again. So this is what i did. I decided to pray often. It didnt matter where i was…. on the road or in the shop. Once i felt low, i whispered a prayer to God. I didnt ask God to heal me or take away the depressing feelings because Jesus already died for that on the cross. So i did command the spirit of depression to leave me and i declared and decreed that by the stripes of Jesus Christ i was and am already healed. It didnt feel like i was free though but i did this sort of prayers and confession of the word of God all the time everyday. Some days i felt better and other days terrible. But i chose to stand on the word of God and refuse to go hy my feelings. I also got rid of toxic friends that fed my depression then. I stuck by those who cheered me up and spoke positive. It was a fight i must say, but i kept searching on scriptures of what God say that i am. That i am God’s own, a royal priest and perculiar person. Focusi g on finished works of Jesus Christ helped me a lot too. He forgives my sins and healed all my diseases.

    What i discovered is that prayer alone doesnt help much in depression but the word of God. The word is God’s medicine to our bodies. He sent forth His word and healed all their diseases. Combination if the word and fervent prayer drives out depression. I also confessed positively for my condition and refused to confess any negative words that were cobtrary to Gods word. In other words, aligning myself with Gods word made me go into agreement with His promises on my life. After some months, i begun to notice that i wasnt as depressed as before. So this made me carry on with my prayer and cofession on Gods word.
    Its been over a year now and am toally free from depression. Does it try to come back sometimes? Yes. But i depend on the Word.
    I just thought of encouraging all who are going through this challenging time of depression that God cares and hears your cry. Hang in there and trust Him even when you dont see any change, it will surely come. But fight with all you have got to get better. Seek help, pray, be in the Word. I leave you with Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace whose eyes are focused on You because they trust in you. Amen

    1. Quina, what a wonderful testimony! You have truly found the way and I love that you don’t get discouraged in the down times, I wish I could get to your stage. One of the charges Jesus gave us was to cast out demons and your command for the spirit of depression to leave you was powerful with his presence, I never really considered it a demon and I will try that approach. Blessings to you.

    2. Wow…your words have brought light to my darkness!!! I looked to prayer as I lie here and can’t sleep…thank you!!

  12. Paul, I am sorry you are suffering so much, I know how deep the pit can be. I have no explanation for why that pit exists but I don’t believe God wants us to suffer because we were all blessed by Him before we were born. I’ve come to accept that Satan is alive and well and just waiting to invade our slightest weakness so we must always be on guard. I think my guard is kept up by reading scripture, comments and articles on this site and by being involved at my church, services and classes are the highlights of my week and I gain so much strength from my church family. I hope you have one who can support you and if not that you find one soon. Blessings.

  13. My husband suffers from depression. I am seeking what to do I pray over him . Pray for him and try to encourage him . He lays in the bed for 3 days at a time. We are financially hitting rock bottom. We can’t seem to get over the hump. I can’t protect him from the world and I constantly try. I have a hard time when he is down he is part of me and it crushes me when he is down.

    1. Tiana, please speak with your pastor and if you don’t have a church, find one. You need support and your husband is not in a position to provide it. Bless you both.

  14. Lily,

    It’s awesome that you can offer to share what helped you. I believe in Jesus and the pain that he endured for us. Despite prayers my depression returns like the Loons on Golden Pond, but maybe not so consistent. I start to feel better and recover but I know that it’s assured that the demons are coming back. I try to be ready for the attack but they’re insidious. I didn’t choose this or make bad life choices to cause it. This was hand picked and home grown by God for me to have. I fight it but I can’t help wonder what kind of a God would torture his own son and others as well. God sees the past, present and future all at once so would think he would have seen this coming. I feel ashamed for questioning God but I can’t help it lately. God created us by him and for him! No one would argue that. But it seems a bit narcissistic to create a whole human race just for yourself. Cults do this and they’re looked at as crazy. My point is, God saved us by grace and not works. He designed us to be dependent on him. I want to be dependent on him which is why I pray for him to remove this awefull prison of depression that he so graciously gave me. I would love to hear what worked for you. I just don’t see this as a winnable battle since God willed it in the first place.

  15. Pray that God gives me the words and actions to help my brother in his struggles with depression

  16. Amber I am praying and I admire that you have typed you deal with depression vs typing you suffer from it . Believe it or not but that is powerful all by itself . I know depressions ugly head all too well. I have a testimony to share from coming from suicidal to major depression to a mental health psychiatric unit to losing fifty pounds not eating insomnia for months and now being able to see the light

    I’d like to share with you or anyone what has helped me . I really do. I believe In your healing and I am a walking testimony that you can get better and healing awaits

    1. Lily, I am thrilled to hear how well you are doing, it’s been a long haul and I am so proud of you for hanging in there! And thank you for your compassion and generosity in offering your email to help others. Blessings.

  17. Rachel, I was like you , in a state of major depression diagnosed with major depressive disorder . I didn’t want to live . I was admitted to a mental health hospital during my first episode last year . The depression returned after giving birth and dealing with turmoils . I have to say happiness awaits . I have something that can help you or I’d like to share with you something that can help you and anyone else reading this with severe depression and anxiety.

    I need to assure that help is possible and the sun does come out

    I’ll be waiting

  18. I deal with severe depression disorder and anxiety. My thoughts are consuming my life…i wake up in the mornings wishing i hadnt. I just want to live a happy normal life. If praying really works..will everyone please pray for me?

  19. I’m scared I believe in God my son is in jail for robbery we have never been apart I feel so lonley I feel myself going deeper into depression I don’t know how much more I can take I pray every chance I get I know I shouldn’t be scared for I know that God is with me I feel like I am letting him down my son is in the same situation but I know it has to be harder on him try to be strong for him when I talk to him but it’s hard I ask the Lord for strength for both of us but I feel were both slipping away Lord help us to have faith that everything will be ok don’t let us slip further into the darkness of depression gives us your love your strength wrap your arms around us i know you are always with us I am just an inpatient person who wants answers now I love you God and I know your there with us please pray for us to believe have faith hope and strength and that everything will be alright Catalina

  20. Hi ida
    That was me last year around this time . I dragged myself beyond health trying to fight through how I felt and what was happening to me until I turned into full blown depression and my body and min d shut down . I am lifting you in prayer to continue and asking god to revive you . Seeking help of a school counselor is helpful too. Use your resources now while you are still semi functioning but you were right to take time off from work .

    Be prayerful and believe this will pass

  21. I have been battling with stress lately and it’s taking a toll on me. I need prayers. I have taken a leave from work and do not want to take a leave from graduate school. I need prayer. Thank you.

  22. Paul, no! Of course depression is not a choice, it is a disease, an insidious disease that tears one’s life apart. I just cannot accept that God made us to suffer, Christ already did that for us, I think It is a continuous challenge (and that everybody has inner challenges of one kind or another). I can honestly say though that the times when a joy has overcome the depression are so wonderful it gives me strength to go on, as does the ease and comfort I experience when I’m in true communion with God. I pray you see some light and don’t give in to the dark. I’ll be thinking of you.

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