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 needed to review these readings, I am going through a rough time finding work and without insurance my supply of antidepressants is dwindling. I also witness some of the worst behaviors in healthcare and day by day feel more disillusioned by my fellow human beings. I pray for all of us to turn around because I have spouted things in greif and anger, but in,my,heart I just want to be consoled and find the peace that is missing. I do not see myself as a good example of a Christian, but also do not want that to be my sole measure of a good person before God. I hope to extend the same mercy his gives me. I see so major pain and suffering that it becomes hard to have any hope for anyone let alone myself. Thanks for the chance to speak and for sharing these scriptures, it helps to be reminded of the Lord’s mercy.
Bryan, I hope you have a church and if not that you find one. Just sit quietly and open your heart. It takes time to hear God but he hears you immediately. If you have a minister, talk to him. You can go someplace alone and tell God all your troubles and yell if you want to, because life does seem unfair. Then quietly praise him for all you have – the beautiful sky, family(?), the chance for a better tomorrow. Trust that he loves you and will not forsake you. Blessings
I am indeed consumed with despair, lacking in faith, and so very tired of being angry at myself and those who have hurt me, feeling like a loser, and feeling guilty about my past and inability, so it seems, to move on with hope and truly believing the my Lord and savior Jesus, will rescue me and his Holy Spirit will turn my life around and make it be all that God wishes for it to be. Yes, I am a Spirit filled Christian, a man of 69 years of age, and a man that knows God has blessed me in so many, many ways, yet I am seriously depressed over a recent situation that happened to me that knocked me down and I just can’t seem to get over my fears and hurt feelings and let God take charge of things. My wife is a devout Christian and a most prayerful woman of God and has been at my side along with many other Christian
friends that love and care about me. Still, I just can’t seem to get over being depressed, stressed out, and angry at myself and the person instrumental in causing me so much grief. Please pray for me and share with me in words of wisdom. Thank You and God bless you for your web site.
It is well with your soul. you have to forgive yourself and those who have hurt you. Concerning your past you ought to forget it cause the word of God says; remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old… (Isaiah 43:18).
Please remember what 1Cor 10:13 says, God will never suffer you to be tempted or afflicted above that you are able. ..you can handle what you are doing through.
Be depressed will never bring any solution to what you are going through, I have been there for many years and i know what i am talking about. Be sincere with God, if you are mad at Him, or disappointed let Him know and ask Him to restore your relationship. You need to rebuke that spirit of depression with the word of God because he is not permitted to overcome you unless you give him the chance to do so. Remember again the one inside you is stronger than him (1Jhn4:4). Let me remind you also that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps139:14) therefore, you cannot be a loser…..stay blessed
Ive struggled with depression for years… And if it wasn’t for hearing his voice saying it wasn’t my time in a suicide attempt, I wouldn’t be here today and have changed my life since. Doesn’t mean I don’t get sad at times it face uphill battles, but am definitely 9 times stronger than I was back then. It’s just nice to still lean back and get hear encouraging words of others. These verses are great. Listening to Spanish worship music gets me out of my funk and then I realize I’m here and thankful that He saved me. It’s ok. I’m ok. Just wanted to say thank you for these verses. Today is my day to participate in church. So I’m a nurse and many people think that depression is all in the head. Not real. Well my participation is going to about how depression is real and almost cost me my life, but it was His grace and the glory of God that saved me. So I will be using some of these verses along with a song I chose. Thank you again. Happy Holidays and God Bless.
Janet, I loved your message, thank you. Continued blessings!
Please pray for me as I have been suffering for 20 yrs. I’m very desperate. I know God can heal me.
Thank you
Christina
You are in prayer. Let us know what your troubles are.
You are heal in Jesus name. Amen
Thank you for the very helpful information.
Thank you for the scriptures. I have suffered from depression for 38 years and now anxiety. No meds have worked. I have been prayed for by our church elders, have had others agree with me. I know God is a miracle working God. I am looking MY will to continue on. Please pray for me.
Prayers are with you. You will not only get through this darkness, you will triumph!
Praying for you Mary! God Is able!!!
Mark 9:23 – Everything is possible for him who believes.
I believe.
I also know that clinical depression is a brain disorder, just like diabetes is an endocrine disorder, or atherosclerosis is a vascular disorder.
The scriptures are a God send.
The pain is real.
Sometimes giving someone scripture is not really helpful at the time and does not acknowledge the severity of pain if they are not in a receptive mode due to the brain malfunctioning. Please keep this in mind. Listen to and pray for them.
Thank you for this word, these reminders. Stumbled upon your blog today when in such need. Struggling with low feelings and financial demands after being unemployed for years. I find such comfort here. Please do keep me in your prayers. And wishing everyone going through a rough patch in life a quick recovery. Our god is able.
Tina,
I really appreciate the verses that you provided, now I know where I can in God’s word and find what I need on depression to get my spirit uplifted. Thanks God bless you!
Good day. I like your article on depression. I would like your permission to use some of the material here in a ministry that I am involved in. I go to hale assistant living home to minister to the elderly there. Many of them are dealing with depression and could benefit from your words on depression. Please let me know if I have your permission to share this information with them.
Thank you very much and God bless.
Sharon Bemis
Thank you for compiling these verses for our support and comfort in times of trial.
Michael, beautifully said.
Hello Krissi, I am currently struggling with a cold and deep seeded feeling of darkness, which from time to time causes me to contemplate suicide, shut myself away from the world, and a multitude of other awful things. Strangely enough there is beauty to be found with this suffering, it’s comparable to that of a light at the end of a dark tunnel. The light being God, your fellow Christians, and also the road to salvation. Even in the dark God’s love will be right there by your side. God said Himself that it was not good for man to be alone, so Eve was created to help Adam and vice versa. With this being said it’s not good you should be alone in this plight, I may not know you, but I know the emotional pain you’re enduring, and in this regard you certainly are not alone. There is a rainbow at the end of every storm, just stay strong and while you walk on that road to salvation I’ll pray for you.
Thank you
You are loved
The enemy attacks when you are serving god ! Keep fighting ! God is stronger . I encourage you not to suffer in silence . He needs you . God loves you . We love you
I just need help… I need support of some kind. God is fighting this battle with me. He fights for me. I tried to kill myself in may and God stepped in. I can’t thank him enough and I pray for forgiveness. I’m weak and I don’t mean to be.
Depression and weak don’t belong in the same sentence ! Depression is a powerful force and you must always give yourself credit. I’m so happy you’re alive . Continue to pray over your health and take active steps within to tackle these feelings . You are loved and supported . I’ve been there twice
D.
Like you Krissi I also suffer from severe depression and anxiety. I was diagnosed in December of 2018 after I was addmitted to the hospital for 7 days after taking many pills. I am a born again Christian and have suffered with this since childhood but had never been in the hospital or diagnosed. Sometimes I get angry at God because I feel he does not care about me. so I decided to to look up scriptures, write them down and always carry them with me so whenever i start feeling depressed
, anxious or hopless I can just read these scriptures and be reminded of Gods promises for me. Despite all of this, God is using me in 3 ministries and this is why I know that no matter how long it takes, The Lord will heal me, because He promised me He would as long as I am obedient to His Word. Dont ever give up, read and try to memorize scriptures on these subjects. Remember that our mind is where Satan operates! open your mouth, rebuke him in the name of Jesus and read out loud some of these scriptures on depression, anxiety and hoplesness. Remember, you ARE NOT alone. This is a true battle against Principalities and Rulers of darkness but our God is Greater and more Powerful! Be blessed…
Nancy may I ask what have you done wrong ? I hope you aren’t blaming
Your injury on yourself . God will heal and restore your leg and I pray that your family can financially withstand in the meantime . The word server stood out to me . I hope your role isn’t too big of a role for
One person. It stood out to me because when I was depressed all I could think about was not being able to show up for others which wasso detrimental. It took so long to realize that I needed a booster and love and care and help also. Please don’t be too hard on yourself . Sending you love
Hi, Miche! I’m so sorry you feel that way. Things will get better for you I promise! Don’t let Satan take your joy away for he is to come and kill and destroy you. About feeling “not good enough ” did you know you were made fearfully and wonderfully? God makes no mistakes! Everything happens for a reason. And there is something out there for you that is amazing and wonderful. In my opinion, I think you should tell your friends how you feel. But, don’t depend on them for whenever you feel down. I did that, and it only made things worst for me 🙁 it may feel like there’s no way out of this and no one cares and you feel terrible. But know God cares, he can do anything and with Christ. Any thing is possible! You can’t ask for forgiveness and help from god if you are doing wrong. Not saying you are, but before every prayer. I always check and see did I forgive my brothers and sisters? Did I do anything against the word of god? And if so, I ask forgiveness. I suggest constantly checking yourself because one day it will be too late. I will pray for you, great things will come your way 🙂
Hi i am Shay 24.I feel so very depressed. I feel cold inside.I can’t really feel anything anymore these days .I’m just so sad.I don’t understand what is happening to me.I am a born Again Christian too.Gave my heart to Jesus at age 9 .Thing’s went well till the age 14 after came compromise for a long while. Now I’m older and I’m serving God the right way.Not compromising my Faith anymore,but now depression has fallen on me and i feel that God is far from me.I spend most of my time crying because i feel i am not good enough. I feel terrible. It’s hard to get up in the morning. Tonight i don’t even want to go to sleep i just want to lay on my bed and keep my eye’s open hoping I’ll feel better.Inhave great family and friends,but i don’t want to tell them how i feel.Can you please pray for me because i just can’t take it anymore ?
Miche, I am so sorry for your suffering, it must be terrible. Try to fill your head with whatever scriptures and bible stories you remember, hymns, words from pastors, what you read on this site. It got me through some tough periods. Please remember you were born loved and God will never forsake you. He really is still with you, it’s just hard to feel him sometimes. We understand. Blessings
Please, please do not say that depression is just a spirit that can be prayed away, or worshiped away. Many of us who suffer with chronic depression and take medication that may or may not help have already tried many times over to pray harder, worship harder, believe more in hopes of our depression leaving. Guess what? It’s not gone? Are we some how lesser Christians? Do we just not please God enough? Are we being punished? I can assure you that we do NOT need any more guilt about our mental illness. We just need to be loved and shown compassion.
And you have our love and compassion.
Amy – I agree with you that in most cases depression cannot be prayed or worshiped away. I wish it could. However, it is a spiritual condition. Depression at its root is the feeling or emotion of hopelessness. The only think that can destroy hopelessness is hope and God is the only true source of hope. We are NOT AGAINST professional help or medication. We encourage people to take medication, for anything that ails them, but also take the Word of God. With depression the medication gives you a breather and takes the pressure off so you can seek God better. But medication is not the long-term answer, only God is.
People with depression, I know, are not lessor people and it is not because they are not pleasing God. It is a spirit sent to hinder and hurt. Drugs can mask it but at its root it is a spiritual issue. Look at these articles – You’ve Got to Have Hope – Depression Is a Spirit, It Must Be Fought with the Word of God – Helping Others Is God’s Prescription for Depression. The last link is not a final end-all answer but it is good and it does help.
I can go on and on about the importance of hope. You don’t work up hope, faith, or pray harder. Faith COMES when we consistently put God’s word into our hearts that responds to to the need we may have. We do not work it up. It comes. That is what this site is all about. We love you. Rex
Hi Amy,
I too suffer from bouts of depression since I was 16 now 78. I also sometimes feel guilty about being depressed and not being a good representative for Christ. A friend of mine just reassured me that being depressed does not make you any less a Christian-( a child of God, one who walks daily with Jesus). Many Christians will say that it is a spirit and all you have to do is pray etc. It may be a spirit at some some deep level but, it is also a chemical imbalance in you body. We who suffer from chronic depression need close friends who will accept us as we are and not condemn us. On a positive side I have been on a prayer team ( for 10 + years) and my frailty has given me a great deal of compassion for others who suffer from emotional turmoil and depression. I have found that generic pray for others or myself does not help. The prayer must be spirit lead in order to address the very cause of the problem not just the symptoms. God knows us and will go before us and uphold us. Be encouraged that Jesus is a compassionate friend. ( and Lord of all). He holds us in the palm of His hand and no one can remove us from His hand.
In Christian Love ….Dave
David, well said. I agree about compassion. My heart has certainly softened along my journey and I give all the credit to God. Blessings
Yes! Thank you for this comment, absolutely true! Depression is often anger turned inward, and we do not need more fuel to the fire.
Mary, sorry, got a bit confused, the child comment was meant for another – but you still have blessings to praise!
As one who has had major depression since childhood due to growing up in a VERY dysfunctional family… having been physically and emotionally/ mentally abused by my own mother from early years on through until 2 weeks before she died…. and in my 40s/50s, I had 12 years of counseling off and on and I have been taking antidepressant med for 25 years. …And having been married 3 times to men who have been oppressive and rejecting of me… who brainwashed the 2 joys (my children) of my life against me… And as one who has a 38 year old special needs grown child with learning disabilities, ADHD, ODD, major anxiety and panic attacks, who’s addicted to opiates and once again about to be sentenced to prison… I have found only ONE way to battle depression and anxiety successfully. It may be hard to do at first. It gets easier though with doing it. Even though I don’t feel like doing this… I put on worship music and begin praising God for life and for His Love and for all He has done for me…in Jesus. Even if I just barely get the words out. I open scripture and sing His promises to help us in times of trouble. Praising God…causes the darkness of depression to flee…it cannot remain in the praises of God. Because He inhabits the praises of Him! HE is the answer. Without Him, I am a 67 year old mess. With Him, I have hope for healing, restoration and a future. I just want to share the one and only way I have light in my life when I fall deep into that pit of darkness. Jesus pulls me out of it and brings me into His light!!! I hope this helps someone.
Amy, good for you! That is just what we are supposed to do. Isn’t it amazing how praising and thanking God can make life joyful?!
I have never felt this low. 3 failed marriages, bankruptcy, went from living in a huge gorgeous house to renting a small house. Have an education but make 1/2 what I used to. Feel like a embarrassment to my family, including my best friend, my dad, who has passed. How do i make myself feel hopeful?
I have never felt this low. 3 failed marriages, bankruptcy, went from living in a huge gorgeous house to renting a small house. Have an education but make 1/2 what I used to. Feel like a embarrassment to my family, including my best friend, my dad, who has passed. How do i make myself feel hopeful?
Mary, I am so sorry for all you’ve had to endure. Please read Amy s comments, they are so true and can really help. When we feel the most powerless in life is just when we must seek God because he truly is our strength. You have a roof over your head, a child who depends upon you (and I’m sure loves you to pieces), and we here who do care about you. You’ve got a lot to give thanks for, focus on that, not what you don’t have, and go forward on solid ground. Those who do not support you are on “shifting sand” and of no importance to you. Blessings
I have been dealing with depression as well for a few months. Some days are better than worse….til recently. I broke my leg and I am not allowed to put weight on it. Which has not been good on my family financially since I am a server. My income is important as well as my husband’s income. It takes two incomes to survive. So now I have way too much time to think. and let me say I have been a dark place lately. I pray that I find the hope and faith I have lost recently. I pray God forgives me for my actions and leads me back to where I need to be.
Nancy, you must remember that you were born forgiven. Your leg is mending so you’re already making progress. Ask God for strength, keep your faith, and rely on the knowledge that you will not be forsaken. Blessings
Depression and anxiety have crippled me recently. I’ve struggled with faith for a number of years yet, other than a few supportive family members the church is the only other thing i’ve had. I’ve failed at work and i’ve failed at simply being a human. Nothing interests me anymore, i have no motivation, i have few friends and just feel lonely and empty. Being eternally single in my 30’s is tough too. My confidence is just at an all time low, and I know the depression is skewing my mindset, but I just have trouble having any kind of hope. Despite my struggle with faith I just pray God will deliver me.
Burt, you have not failed! We are all less than we should and could be, that is why we keep striving and going forward. The well of despair grows deeper the longer you are in it, you must look up, not down, and do some constructive things for your own good. If you church, go more often, talk with the pastor; if you do not, find one now. Sit and feel the warmth of the spirit. Set small goals – talking to someone new each day, reading a good book, taking an interesting class at the library – and always remember that everyone is vulnerable, it’s just that not everyone admits it. We’ve been there. Go forward with faith. Blessings to you.
Thank you for the message, Kay. I do have people at church supporting and helping me. I just have no motivation to go back to work (where i have failed on a project recently), or to do much of anything to pass the time. I just can’t get the negative thoughts about myself out of my mind.
Burt, I’ll give you two more days to wallow in self-pity, then I want you to think about a retired US Marine I just saw who lost both legs and one arm in Afghanistan. He’s now married and competes in basketball and swimming. Just saying….
P.S. We’ve all screwed up at work!
Burt – I almost did not go to church today because I honestly thought about staying home and wallowing in my stuff (it was a terrible week). And I am not using the word ‘wallowing’ because of Kay’s comment. It is actually what I said to Pastor after the service. It was exactly what I needed. I love you. Rex
Please understand that this is the enemy talking . Depression makes you believe and feel all kinds of horrid things about yourself that aren’t true . Depression limits your performance and capability which could be why you have not performed so well at work . What you need right now is good ole healing to your spirit and love to the heart . You will get through this in the name of Jesus and in the name of us all here supporting you .