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
Hello Everyone,
I will start from the beginning of my journey, when I was young, around 11-13, I would have these unwanted tics in my body and would scream two particular curse words uncontrollably, it was almost as if I was possessed or something… I would wonder if I suffered from turret syndrome or something, I never went to the doctor about it or anything, it just kind of passed over time. Around the same time, I remember being in Junior High School and I would (sometimes) worry out of nowhere about my physical health; especially things concerning my heart (even though doctors said my heart was fine).
Fast forward to 2006, at the age of 24, I have what I believe to be my first “panic attack” while at work, I eventually quit that stressful job. I went through a period of incredible anxiousness and despair for about six months….enrolled back in School during that time (finished) and also worked some part time jobs during that time…. During a period of some years, I didn’t had little or no issues with my anxiety, mainly because I knew what it was and realized that it was literally in my head and was enjoying life quite well. I finally found a “full time” job again in 2010 and currently work at that job now.
Fast forward to June (2015), I (out of nowhere) starting have these obsessive thoughts (horrible thoughts about harming myself and others)… I literally have no idea why these thoughts came into my mind (but then again, I did watch some events on you tube in late May, early June where people were dying/committing suicide, shooting up Schools, etc.) (I have no idea what made me watch these horrible events, it seemed to fascinate me in horrific ways), these thoughts that I’ve been having are so horrible that I’m currently struggling to function (at times)… I still get up, go to work, do certain activities, etc. but I’m always worried about if these thoughts in my head will some how come true despite my true belief of not doing ANY of them….
However, that period after 2006 taught me a whole lot, it made me realize that no matter what you are going through, God makes a way… pray often… practice kindness and compassion for your fellow being…. we are going to get through this, be optimistic as if you have already gotten your blessing…. change comes with faith (prayer) and patience…. anxiety has been an issue that has plagued a lot of us for years, this month has been the first time that I have ever sought out Professional help (seeing a Counselor) regarding my situation…. we are not what our thoughts say we are!!! It’s easier said than done in a lot of cases, but wait on the Lord, he will fulfill the true medicine that we have longed for…. Peace be with all of you… Love you!
My depression started in April 2015. I was on an antidepressant and anxiety prescriptions for 3 years while being the caregiver of my 93 year old mother. After she passed away in 2013, I continued to take it. My husband had a heart attack in January 2015 and I remained on them to help cope with his heart attack and still grieving the loss of my mother. In April of 2015, I was having severe headaches and after I had a scan, the doctors thought I had a bleed in my brain and thought I’d had a stroke.
I went to the the ER and they began running other scans, MRI’s and a spinal tap to determine the cause. In my pain from the headache and fearing the worse, I failed to let the medical staff know I was on the 2 medications. After a week in the hospital and not taking the meds, I fell apart. They ruled out a tumor or anything serious with me but I was a basket case from going cold turkey off the meds. I cried all the time, I couldn’t sleep or eat, I was restless and did think about suicide. I went to a psychiatrist and he put me on several prescriptions but nothing helped me.
I admitted myself to a wellness hospital where I spent 8 days. After 3 days, the psychiatrist and social worker got me on the right medications and with group sessions, I went home feeling like they saved my life. I began going to Senior Care where I would see a psychiatrist and have 3 group session 2 days a week. I was doing better but the last 2 weeks I have started having those same feelings but not as severe. I feel emptiness, loneliness and worthlessness. I pray, read the Bible, sing and talk to family members. Please pray for me that these feelings will end and my life will be normal again.
Sherry – I so wish I had something positive to say to you. Unfortunately I’m also in a pit and doubting if life has anything in store for me. I don’t know why I bother to get out of bed. Nothing matters. I know how stupid my feelings are but I can’t help it. Emotions have little to do with intelligence. When I’m this low I’m not even interested in looking for God. I envy you your past happiness, I don’t remember the last time I felt any. Good luck to you.
Kay, hold on. This too will pass. I am in a dark place right now. I have been loved and abused and controlled by my husband for 15 years and the control still continues as he fiercely uses our children. I have had many trials in life. Please reach out to someone. Do not despair. I know exactly what you are going through. The tears never end and yes, I know it is dark. But there is an answer and there is hope!!
I know it seems crazy, but try reaching out to others that are in desperate place too. There is a lot of support out there.
I will be thinking of you Kay,
Connie
These scriptures are helping me to restore my faith back in God. I feel like God is punishing me for something because everything is not working out or everything is being taken away from me. Sometimes I wonder if God really hears my cry.
LaShani – Keep reading and speaking these scriptures and others. God is not punishing you. Remember, there is a Devil and he does not want you getting closer to God and getting better. Sorry to say, he will fight you all along the way. Ignore him.
All movement in God requires faith and faith requires one to move without seeing all the answers and how everything works out. God hears your cry, God hears everything. The issue is to get Him to move on your behalf, that takes hope and faith. Seek Him and praise Him no matter what your eyes see and what your emotions feel. We love you. You can do it. You will be happy you did. Rex
I may have said this here before, but it made such an impression on me … years back on the TV show Mash there was an episode where an injured soldier claimed he was Jesus Christ. Father Mulcahey spoke with him and after a while said, “Tell me, does God answer all prayers?” The man said, “Yes” ….. “sometimes the answer is no”. Finally I realized, perhaps God wasn’t giving me what I prayed for but He always heard me, I just hadn’t heard His “no”. So keep talking to him, LaShani, He does hear you.
The scriptures were very powerful and helped me in a time of need.
Jean, my heart aches for you. I don’t know what to say right now because my words are inadequate. I hope you are getting medical and spiritual help and leaning on God, that is what He is there for. Gail’s reply was wonderful and I’m sure Rex will have words to comfort you. All I can do is pray, perhaps you will feel my support.
,I hope to read more post . thanks.
I’m about as low as any one might get. I recently lost my daughter to cancer and I’m really having a hard time coping I am a Christian and I know God doesn’t make mistakes. A few years ago I was involved in an auto accident that claimed the life of my young daughter and my precious our year old grandson. She was thirteen . I feel I have been robbed and can’t understand why both of my girls. My recent lost was to leukemia and she was forty one. She has a seventeen year old that I am raising because her dad is in nursing home because he has Huntington disease and is in the last stage. Depression is killing me. I cry all the time and I sleep to avoid people. I’ve got to learn how to cope before I do something foolish. Pray for me!
I’m praying for you! I hope that you can get into some grief support groups. This can be one of the most powerful ways to talk about your loss. You would find other people dealing with very similar things and you’d learn the ways that they are coping and your coping mechanism would help them. If you can get into a situation where you are able to help others this will transform your situation. I read some quote recently that said “nothing can teach us more than pain can.” When you come through these challenges to see the light of day, your journey will become precious to those around you. Already your sharing is very important to me. Your pain has given me an opportunity to share my experience. I was hearing about this Jewish man recently who was the only survivor as 78 members of his family had died. He was able to move on with his life, he found a wife and immigrated to the USA. Our spirit of survival is incredibly powerful! Early losses in my life meant that I was never going to have a family. I had a very serious breakdown in my early 20’s! It’s still a difficult thing to describe, the loss of my mind. I was very frightened for a long time. You sound very sane to me. This is such a blessing. Let me and others know how things are going! Keep writing here! Love to you!
Gail, I have a friend who is struggling with deep depression. The subject matter that gets her into it is cursing God. She says it comes from her teachings when she was young and what she has read in the Old Testament about God’s way of punishing his people back then. I’m trying to help her find someone to talk to when she is experiencing this crisis in her life. She feels unforgiven by God when her thoughts become obsessive regarding the cursing Him and is afraid of what will happen to her. Thank you for anything you could advise.
I once knew someone by the name of Gail Roberts who painted me a lovely picture. We met I believe in SC but not sure. It was a depression group quite a few years ago. I know that she was from the south. Just brought back some wonderful memories for me, wondered if you could possibly be that person.
Beth
About an hour or two ago, I did a Google search to find scriptural support for dealing with depression/hopelessness. We are churchgoers but in all honesty I speak with God only in crisis, and must invite Him into my life. Thankfully, this is the first site I found, and reading it has been like stepping into a room of friends. A year ago, I lost my job in an ugly and hurtful reorganization, after quite a few years with the organization. It was a special job, one that I identified with very closely, and after a few weeks of frantic jobhunting activity, I finally had time to start processing my situation, and crashed into the worst pit of despair I’ve ever experienced. Got bad enough that the only place I wanted to be was in bed, and the only time of day I looked foward to was bedtime, so that the world would disappear for a few hours (of course, that also meant dreading waking up in the morning). Weird thing is, I had contractual employment immediately, but felt like a worthless failure who (as a middle-ager) would never again be a desirable hire in the work world. No salaried job or benefits, no identity, no hope. Finally my wonderful wife (who realized she alone could not dig me out of that hole) dragged me to our pastor for prayer, and then to the doctor, who prescribed medication so that I could at least start functioning and get stabilized. Leaning on a couple friends whose faith is more mature than mine, who have both been in similar situations, helped me tremendously. But the hurt, fear, and mistrust of the job loss never totally went away. After a couple months, I found a salaried job with a great company, great pay and benefits, but which turned out to be chaotic and overwhelming. But of course, being an “I can do it myself” guy, tapered off the meds right away. Flash forward to this past week; after mainly sweeping my fear and anxiety under the rug for months, replaying the job loss frquently, and being unable to sleep for more than 3-4 hours per night, a couple of frustrating work situations came along, and they were kind of the straws that broke the camel’s back. All of a sudden, by the time Monday came along, I was a wobbly mess. Wife waves red flag, orders me back to doctor (where I cried my eyes out), and I’m back on antidepressant and sleep med just to patch me through. Was able to work from home (barely) the rest of the week, and yesterday had the faith to call a couple of coworkers and confide in them what was happening. They were both voices of love and support, and this helped tremendously, knowing there’s support. Also called my company’s Employee Assistance Program and scheduled a counseling appointment for next week. Still feel a bit shaky, but am trying to move my feet in the right direction. Tonight, as my wife told me that she had asked some of her church friends for prayer over my/our situation, I realized just how much I had left God out of the equation. So I guess I’m typing this partly to get it all out, partly to remind others that there are many sources of help that can work together for our healing, and partly to admit to myself and God must be one of them and that I need Him. Sorry for the length; just putting this into words gives me hope. Hope someone else can take something from it.
Robert – I am so glad you shared. Since my recent post that I had slipped back into my pit I’ve reread postings on this site and gained some comfort. I’ve also finally admitted to myself and God that my problems all life long have come from never thinking I was worthy, never worthy of having life’s best, or of being wanted by anyone good, including God. I am now trying to emphasize to myself that I absolutely am worthy, we are all worthy, we all deserve the best in life – we already have His love, what is better than that? I think that’s what you’re now feeling and I pray you continue to include God in your life, because you do deserve Him!
Thank you and God Bless, Kay. As a starting point, am focusing on this passage from the “Depression is a Spirit” post on this site:
Meditate on scriptures like the one above and pray: “God, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ – according to Your Word – I’m asking you to deliver me from this spirit of heaviness in Jesus Name.”
An earlier post stated,
“.. And if you suffer from deep ongoing depression, seek out and get help.”
Does this include getting help from the medical profession? It just seems that too many Christians put down psychiatrists, or using medication to help. I have been helped greatly by some good doctors and medications for many years (I am 56 now). So why do some people discount the God given wisdom of those doctors who have been so helpful to others?
I look forward to reading the opinions of any readers who care to comment, especially FaithMechanic. Thank you, and have a blessed day.
David – Getting help from where ever includes help from a trained medical professional. And it also includes medication. I myself, am coming out of a bout with aggressive prostate cancer. I believed God, sought God, and heavily confessed the word of God, etc., but I also received medical help and used supplements. I believe God gave me a game plan that included medical help, and exactly what I should believe for each step along the way. I am doing extremely well. All my current tests are negative for cancer. I now have some decisions to make on continued treatment, and I am seeking God on the matter.
Some commenters disagree with receiving medical help and that is okay. Each must determine their path before God and stand with the consequences.
My personal overriding point is this – ultimately God is the answer to all ailments and problems. But sometimes we do not have the faith to directly and solely go that route. God is honest and pragmatic, and we should be also. I felt peace about using medical help. Twenty years ago, my Pastor had cancer and was given 90-days to live. He was going to ‘just believe God.’ God told him he would die if he didn’t receive medical help. Thank God he did. He took chemo and believed God for minimal side effects. He was never sick and he did not lose his hair. He has been my Pastor now for 17 years.
Concerning issues like depression, I believe that medical personnel and medication should be used to give one the ‘breather time’ necessary to figure out the core problem. Drugs should not be the long term end-game strategy. They are an interim necessity. Ultimately, our issues are spiritual and spiritual issues always impact the physical. That’s the way Jesus dealt with things and it is how He instructed His disciples to deal with things. I talk about some of these issue in Helping Others Is God’s Prescription for Depression and Healing Scriptures and Confession for Cancer. The latter being about my journey of healing. God bless you. Rex
David – a very tough issue. I’ve suffered from daily headaches, only intensity varies, and been on medications for many many years. I don’t know if the headaches cause depression or depression causes headaches; in any event, they feed off each other and the bottom line is I am constantly on antidepressants and anti-seizure meds (b/c their side effects help headaches), and I absolutely hate it, but I trust my doctors. I would like to be in the hospital for a week and go off all meds and start from scratch but that is not realistic. I am never happy. I had a brief wonderful moment several months ago when I heard the Spirit speaking to my heart and I rejoiced. I’ve been praying to relive that moment but right now I am in such a deep pit I sometimes doubt even the Spirit could find me! So my opinion is that while it is a personal decision, God did give medical professionals talents and we would be foolish to ignore His gifts. (But let’s all remember that doctors are not God and sometimes their efforts do fail)
My name is Jacob Chovan and I feel very sad everyday about something’s everyday. I try to look up at God but I still feel sad at times, so many times that I think.i just forget to try to be in touch with God. So something just hit me that you need to have faith in The Lord at all costs. These prayers helped me a lot. So thank you deeply. I will always be a Christian and the faith in God will always be with me.
Myra – I ache for you. I know that when you go deeper into your darkness it becomes ever harder for you to come out. I repeat what I’ve said here before, when John Wesley was doubting his faith (and he did many times), one of his mentors told him to “preach it until you believe it”. Just as we learn by repetition, the more we pray for God to ease us, the sooner we will feel him in our heart, and if you practice how you would act and feel if you felt pulled out of that tunnel of despair and into the full light of God’s beautiful world, then you will be all ready when that truly happens. Picture how it would be if you felt truly confident and competent and worthy of happiness, let God support your body and stand straight, let a smile mask your sadness, just for now, and go forth with confidence. The more you do that, the sooner you will realize it is true, you are wonderful, you are valuable, you are truly loved and valued by God – and yourself.
In my senior year of high school I was not happy , I was blessed to graduate but inside my spirit was broken I was very unhappy . I ve been here and there with school and jobs never finished school could not keep a job due to my body language , sadness and depression Its been an on going thing for almost 4 years now with temporary happiness along the way but that fades very quickly its not pure happiness . It has affected my family and caused them to see me in a weak fashion and that causes me to hide even more in my darkness. I love God and my relationship with him is growing it just gets really hard sometimes to wait on his answer and blessings but they are always spot on and on time !Hope for my future is what keeps me going . feed back and words of wisdom would be nice thanks .
Please I really need help cos it’s affecting even my relationship with people
I am depressed. I dont have a job for the past 6years. no money, stagnation all through, pains and unhappiness. I need God’s interventions in my life. I need a well paid job to offset my bills. I pray God visits my situation.
Gen – are you doctoring? Have you found a welcoming church? Keep praying, God does hear, but seek earthly help, too. You will be in my prayers, please keep posting.
I feel your pain. I have been out of work for a while. for five years I have had some temporary work here and there. It has put strain on my new marriage, etc……I have experienced depression as well…. all I can say is puuuush and get in God’s word. I made the mistake not reading my bible …etc. I know it is hard….. I will pray for you
Hi Sharita I was just reading comments and read what you are going through.I am so sorry.I went through a lot as well.I have a mother who didn’t raise me in the occult,a sister in occult and they against my life, my son life.I went through an going through a lot of storms.I’m battling depression.The only thing that help me is staying focused on God,reading scripture,and just focusing on what God say.Don’t listen to the world.Just pick up your bible and open it automatically God will give u what you need to hear.Get a notebook write every scripture you are led to,and every dream that speaks to you.Get rid of friends that are in the world.The devil only use them against you more.I will pray for you that you win all your battles.Shalom.
@Sharita and all others
God is not concerned with your resume. He is concerned with your future. He loved you when you were doing anything but serving Him and He loves you now. You may not be able to change your past, but I promise He has great plans for your future. Listen for His still small voice. 1 Kings 19:9-12
Faith is hard somtimes, but it’s worth it. (I’m talking to myself as well.) I pray you trust God and find hope in Jesus 🙂
I don’t know if I can goon. Just like Job in the bible i have lost everything. I lost f kids do to my past.. i grew up in foster homes under the same judge….that same judge took all my kids. Now im in a new state battling deprdepression and am fighting the state for my fith child. I feel hopeless.
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I have been struggling with depression/anxiety since 2003–13 years old. I’ve had periods since then when I was angry with God but they wouldn’t last long but then my grandma was diagnosed in July of 2009 with lung cancer. When she passed away in October of that year, I feel like I have spent the majority of time since then cursing God. I found a church in October of 2013 and I was beginning to feel a little better but it didn’t last long. My struggle is long and complex but I felt a need to say a bit in order to make the rest fit.
Currently I feel like I have hit the bottom for good. I feel like every single day since July of last year I have been on auto-pilot: take medications to appease the doctor and family, keep my dark thoughts away from my family I’ve put them through enough heartache to last a lifetime…I didn’t have a bad childhood–for goodness sake’s I was probably considered spoiled by previous generations–but yet I feel empty. I want so badly to just have the courage to ask a family member for help or be able to go to them when times get too hard. I was able to confide in my brother a few months ago and he really cared yet I can’t bring myself to reach out to him again…he’s got school to focus on. He doesn’t need to worry about me when I’m an hour away.
How do I just let go and ask God for help–and not continue to curse Him under my breath? I hope I am making sense. I’ve been having a difficult time putting words together lately.
Thank you
I’m finally at a point in my life when I feel that the years of depressions were an amazing gift. When you are in the middle of this pain it is really difficult to see this journey as a gift, but “You’re a diamond in the rough!” This means that you have some hidden, undiscovered talent, characterisitic or quality that is not immediately clear to yourself or others! This depression is the most powerful vehicle for personal development that exists in the universe. This depression asks you to open the door and look behind it to discover your role in the world, and the way that you will be able to help people. You have a universe of untapped potential or qualities that are unknown to you! Your pain will nurture and refine your divine qualities for goodness in the world, so God can use your presence in the world in a completely unique way!
“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.”
The statement above from Isaiah is a given, it is truth, but the waiting can be very very difficult!
Let us know, keep communicating your process! This is divine work and you are not alone!
Sincerely
Gail
Hi Erin, just some words of encouragement. After the death of my father I was doing the same thing. You have to stop. God is real and He is near. Wait for Him and stay in the scriptures. Just when I was at my lowest point He came through and changed my life and gave me the desires of my heart. His timing is perfect. You are in my prayers.
Hi…I’m back…and I don’t know if my condition has become worse or better…bug all I know is God is in control even though my future seems sutterd.n Ita causes pain in my family…I m yet to talk to an appointed councelor to help because I broke out in disstress a day ago because I had a terrible day at school…unable to bring myself out of the deep dark hole of thoughts…I trust God will come though because I cannot stand letting my parents down nd yet I am the first born..I pray he will give me streangth to overcone and give me tge finl turning point in my life which is now
..I was planning to attempt suiside but I thank God…I had to have the courage to face this world head on…I will vast all my cares uppon him because he is our peace…he brings peace surpassing all understanding…I hope soon it will be me…in a good state of mind…
A good place to begin is get a scriture
on depression read it thru out the day just as if you were taking medication on the hour,every other hour. Pray and fast. Take time for your self walking exercise movie praise and worship music down load Pandora. Hope you get better.
God Bless Amen.
Erin,
Part of that anger that you feel toward God is actually anger at yourself, so forgiving yourself could be an extremely powerful exercise for you! The practice of forgiveness can be cultivated and will bring the greatest peace and joy into your life. This has happened for me, and though I’m much older than you I don’t think the practice of forgiveness knows any age? You are very young. My depressions began about your age, and people weren’t talking about anger at the self, so I wouldn’t have recognized that this was happening. God can deal with your anger, and can answer to your anger. Don’t feel guilty about your anger.
Good evening Erin. I hope all is well tonight. I read your comment and it touched me. I have suffered from depression since the age of 8. I am now 46. If you don’t mind me asking….why are you so mad at God? Hanging on to anger keeps us standing still. Everyday, think of a reason to thank God and you will find that anger subside. People like us always think we are being burdens when we seek help from friends and/or family. We are put here to help one another. You are giving someone else purpose by allowing them to minister to you. I am not 100% over my bouts, but I do now recognize the signs they are heading my way and I change my routine at those times to trick the spirit. It confuses things and makes the depression not last as long and it reduces in strength. I hope any of this helps
Erin peace and blessing to you,
You probably heard this before, forgive yourself and love yourself as God has made you(His workmanship created for a good purpose, Ephesians 2:10). Being angry at God will not change anything on your end but worsen it, because at the end of the day you are his creation, and he has the final word.
I can also suggest that you trust him and cast everything on him who is the sustainer of life. Find a sense of worth in yourself; remember you have a purpose, you just need to find it. Often time, the devil wants to bring us into that place where not only we feel worthless and helpless, but we loose any enjoyment of this greatest gift, life.
Let it go and even love those who hate you( It may sound crazy). Don’t forget, you are unique.
Erin – I was reading over the postings and I’m wondering how you are? It must have been a terrible loss when your grandmother passed, I sense she was the family member you felt closest to, and of course grandparents always think their grandkids are perfect! You said your church experience wasn’t helpful for too long, I hope you’re ready to try again, perhaps you’ll connect more with a different pastor and there’s nothing wrong with trying several. There is also nothing wrong with cursing God because he also hears the underlying cry for help and understands our needs better than we do. In my bible study class I’ve asked why God didn’t just leave the Jews alone when they were constantly disobeying him and find another group who appreciated him more, seems logical to me, but of course God was keeping his promise, just as He has promised to never desert us. Maybe you could find new doctors b/c you should be getting better, not worse. Maybe a family member might be more receptive to you now, you could try again. As for how to deal with God, you let go and ask Him for help just by telling Him, God, I need your help, please let me feel you, let me know you are with me, please guide me to where I need to go and stay by my side. Please post how you are doing, you will be prayed for.
Hi all
I really appreciate the comments. But not much has changed in the way of how I’ve been feeling. After 12 + years of medications, therapists, short stays in hospitals when I can’t keep my pain inside, I’m worn out. I haven’t had the strength to do much other than “exist” to keep my family appeased. Fortunately, my psychologist has a wide range of experience (she has worked in both hospitals and other facilities) and she doesn’t freak out if I express my true feelings.
Despite the hourly struggles to keep mentally busy and still accomplish what needs to be done, I can’t seem to connect with God. Something almost always has enough force to make my feelings of depression, hopelessness, heartache and guilt. Regardless of the tears and strong need to punish myself for nearly anything, I have yet to “let go and let God.”
Maybe something can push me far enough down to where I am put somewhere that can help me
Sorry to be so negative and dark 🙁
Ron has stage 4 cancer, on chemo and is a new christain ,he is very depressed .
Validate that the support, education and everything offered is really thhere and make sure you know all the ins and outs which wwill help prevent any confusion in the
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It’s great to hear about your publication! Congratulations! I’m not a writer so I’ve never had such a success! It’s very impressive! I’d like to get more details about your book, so I can take a look at it!
Thanks for letting me know! Gail
Please pray for me. I am in the so I am in one of the roughest seasons in my life. Lot’s of anxiety and depression, job concerns, finances, hopelessness. I’m feeling like I’m living in a cruel dark world with little light that’s difficult to penetrate Satan and the darkness. God Bless each of you.
Not only are you going to get out of this, you are going to do great damage to the kingdom of darkness along the way.
ReeRee – Keep your mind and mouth in the word of God, and your eye upon God Himself. You have plenty of hope. You just can’t see the hope because the Devil blinds you to it in these situations. Talk to God, confess your sins if you have to, and then move on in faith.
Put His word into you in every way possible. Look at the scripture lists and confessions on this site and start quoting the ones that jump out at you. Speak them till there is peace in your heart. It will take a while. You will feel nothing at first. Faith is not seeing for feeling. Faith is a knowing – one that comes from the word of God, both written and spoken. Get it into your heart and then peace will come. Peace is the emotion of faith, just like depression is the emotion of hopelessness. Fight hopelessness will all you can. Your victory depends on your faith, so get faith with all you can. Then keep it and walk in it. We love you. Rex
Hi my names David I’m 20 years old I wanna start off from the beginning for as long as I can remember I was a crhstian I believed in God I was saved and happy but as I got older I lost touch slowly so slow I didn’t realize it was happening. When I was young I sufferd from being over weight and picked on and I wanted to change that but what I didn’t realize is that I was happier then long story short at around 14 I started working out and as time went on I saw improvement but not enough I started doing the wrong things looking for help in bad places and praying to the wrong God and it worked I have what I always wanted the body of my dreams and it sounds silly I know but now that I have what I wanted I’m even more depressed I sold my soul to the devil for what I thought I wanted and now I face the worst depression ever. I’ve fought I’ve prayed to God to save me I’ve seeked help from doctors all of them and none have worked they say it’s ADD. And throw me on a pill and it works for the day but at the end of the week its like I’m just fanding away more and more. I try and stay in touch with God and pray but something’s distracting me pulling me away every time I try. I’m gunna keep fighting it’s just who I am I’ve made some bad choices in life and if is the fate I’ve earned then so be it the devil might have my soul but I’m still made from God! My first son will be born in February of this year and that’s a blessing and I thank god for that! I hope you all pray for me I just wanna be a good father and if i could feel a little relief from my sins and depression I would be truly greatful. Thank you all for your time and support if anyone older and wiser has gone threw the same thing and knows a way to get threw it I would appreciate the advice thanks sincerely David L.
There is a sincerity in your writing that is really positive. From my point of view, the ADD diagnosis and drugs are a lie! It sounds like you have a powerful drive or capacity to accomplish things in your life. Not everyone can train their bodies in the way that you did. This drive and capacity will be with you in everything you do. Doctors aren’t really the answer for most of us as our medical system has been corrupted by the pharmaceutical industry.
My depressions lasted for a very long time. In my case and in my personal beliefs the biomedical or medical based rhetoric about depression as a disease is a total lie for selling pharmaceutical drugs. I began to feel liberated from depression with forgiveness, and as so many people say when I sent forgiveness out, it came back to me and taught me how to love myself. It’s a divine and magical concept or practice that you will get better at practicing as you use it. I looked “forgiveness” up online and found steps on the web for practicing it. I just sound a site on this practice:
http://www.wikihow.com/Forgive
Thank you for sharing your experience! The healing and sincerity of God is with you! Gail
Gail – This is actually good – http://www.wikihow.com/Forgive Thank you
David – Forgiveness for ones self is a huge aspect of healing and walking in God. If you have truly accepted Christ then the past is a thing of the past and it should stay in the past, forever. Our job is to walk in the ‘now’ with the grace of God and all the things He did for us on the Cross.
I don’t think the medications are the answer but I don’t down play their use. However, the only long term solution is God. Only He can go deep enough to really change things if you allow Him and work with Him. We love you. Rex
David – There is a comment for you up a little higher. I agree with her comments.
Hi David some words of encouragement. I am older and had deep regrets and pain but the Lord pulled me through and healed me. Walk by faith and pray constantly. If you find you can’t pray then listen to sermons and godly music. God is real
David, this whole website has immensely helped me. http://www.net-burst.net/guilty/index.htm Please read, as there is so much information that can help. God bless you.
David, on this link is an exhaustive search to find whatever article you need. http://www.net-burst.net/index.htm
Hi,
Great site and informative spiritual help tips…but when depression hits it destroys all hope. Thats where I’m at now…and not sure God is still hearing me..I can’t really take much more..I don’t want to quit but can’t see any way out of this hopelessness …it’s awful.
Bless you all. K
I’ve been where you are at now! It does destroy all hope! The power of depression is so all encompassing! Amazingly it’s over for me now. I can’t believe it because the depression went on for decades. The idea that it was/is a disease wasn’t helpful for me. Ideas can save us. Ultimately it is our thoughts, creative solutions that can save us that come through our conversations with God. I remember times when all it took was to stand up and move across the room, and my mind would change. Depression literally cannot exist with physical movement, like walking, or any kind of physical exercise. When you do any kind of physical movement long enough the mind will be released with very creative thinking. Your entire universe can and will change this way. Other people can help you immensely, there is wisdom and true genius among the common folks around you who have traveled the same journey you are on now. They can and will show you the way!
Kris – You actually said it perfectly – “…but (I) can’t see any way out of this…” Depression is the result (the feeling) of hopelessness, and hopelessness is the result of a blindness to the hope that is around you. It is like being in a well lit room and thinking that it is dark. People will tell you that it is lit but you can’t believe them because you don’t see the light.
I don’t know exactly how the Devil blinds us to the hope that is out there, but he can and once that happens, we become hopeless. Hopelessness is actually ‘hope blindness.’ The answer is to do all you can to see hope again and to build your hope back.
Walking outside, reaching out to someone, reading scriptures, or doing something that you know you should do but is hard to do can help. All of these can do a little bit to bring the hope that you actually already have into focus. It might not all leave at once but it will start.
Have hope that there is hope, and that you will see it again. Let that motivate you to start you on the path to looking again. It is there. It really really is. We get stuck when we don’t move. Do something good, anything. God will show you. He is God and whether you see it or not He is close by and is waiting to help you. We love you. Rex
I hear you Kris… I hope you are out of it soon…