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. Simone I am so happy you are ready to commit your life to Jesus. Pray this prayer with me aloud: Father God in the name of Jesus Christ I come to You. I recieve You as my Lord and Savior. Lord Jesus forgive me of all my sins. I surrender my life to You Jesus. I ask You Jesus to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Lord from this day forward I will seek You. Thank You Lord for saving me. You are my Lord in Jesus name Amen.
    Romans 15:13
    May the God of hope fill Simone with all joy and peace as she trusts in Him, so
    that Simone may overcome with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
    Matthew 18:18
    “I tell you the truth Simone whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven,
    and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
    Amen! To God be the glory.

  2. 🙂 Lorenzo, I have good news you don’t have to be depressed. You have to realize that you hear your voice, the devil’s voice and God’s voice.Now you have a choice who are you going to obey. The only way you can defeat those bad thoughts is you have to replace them with the word of God.You have a choice everytime a bad thought comes into your mind. Say the word of God aloud that is why it is so crucial you read God’s word. I even encourage you to memorize scripture. Philippians 4 6:7
    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
    thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all
    understanding will guard Lorenzo’s heart and mind, in Christ Jesus.When you feel really down put on christian worship songs. One of my favorite songs is by Jesus Culture Band Chris Quilala and Kim walker sings “Your Love Never Fails.” Also, I encourage you get into bible study group get to know christians that are strong followers of Christ. Ask them to lay hands on you, anoit you with oil and pray over you.God bless you Lorenzo. I believe God has a plan and purpose for your life. To God be the glory. Amen! 🙂

  3. My name is Simone. I’ve been battling a bit of depression off and on for a few months now. I had my son out of wedlock and have struggled for 7 years trying to get my life back in order. I know the power of God and I am praying that he heal my soul and mind before I have a nervous breakdown. I have been so discouraged and reading these comments have moved me. I think I’m ready to re commit my life to The Lord. I have been living in sin and out of his will, I pray he forgive me and save my mind.

  4. Yes there is hope I am aslo very depressed right now. It is a struggle but keep on fighting and never give up trust in the Lord with everything you have. He will make i to pass. Do not give up. Amen

  5. Can anyone tell me how I go to bible study on wed morn,wed eve,then bible study sun morn,then stay right after for church services only to return sun eve for church services .I beg god to pls come into my life and show me my way . My heart is heavy burdened.I await to die each day.as I can’t get motivated to function as a human being .I think about dying each and every day but don’t want to hurt god by taking my life. I want to divorce my husband ,he is not a spiritual leader ,in fact,I tell him in order to try and salvage this so called relationship,he needs to attend services at least once a week . I know I am forcing him, but hope for a miracle that god will plant a seed and we can turn this around.there has been so much hurt in my life as a child raped at 4 yrs old,beat and hated by my mom,dad died when I was 10.I tried to take a bottle of pills at 10 but was to young to know that taking a whole bottle of vitamins only made me sick.pregnant at the age of 15 because I ran away from home and my moms then boyfriend wanted to touch my breasts when I was 10.she chose him over her kids and I was hated because I was born a girl. I never had a child’s life. Now as I’m older got my ged.became an lpn nurse. Paid for my rn 6 yrs ago. All in that time mom died ,my youngest who was fed LSD at 4 yrs old killed a taxi cab driver when he was 16 served 18 yrs in prison,came out addicted to drugs and alcohol.now was dying .all this happened 6 yrs ago. And husband lost his job and we fought like enemies daily because he would not look for a job. I lost respect for him. Getting back to my rn program I can not even concentrate. 3 yrs ago I committed my self to a psych unit for a week only .as it did nothing for me. I don’t know if I’m bipolar?????? But God I want my life back . And I think its too late as I said i cannot even function now. To put the icing on the cake ,at the nursing home I worked at ,the more I complained the tighter the noose got around my neck.I didn’t fit into the click.so they let me go and told me I could collect unemployment.I have 1 yr to finish the rn if I’m to make it.I need a miracle I have been begging god for mercy and help,I do want to live ,somebody please help me……..God r u there???? Sadly and sincerely your child Dawn ;((

  6. Reading some of this scriptures has given me comfort. I’m in a relationship with a man I believe is the one but trials have come and its ripping me apart. God bless you for this post

  7. Justme no one likes being alone. The Lord tells us in Hebrews 10:25 that we should not forsake the gathering together. This verse talks about the Church as a whole but it also has a practical everyday meaning. Many times loneliness is a result of our choice. We choose not to get involved with programs, events or activities. However, when we choose to get involved; then the opportunity to meet people and build lasting relationships will take place. Loneliness can also be a result of past hurts, fears or hidden experiences that will put a wall between you and someone else. Regardless of the reason, if you turn the loneliness along with your desires to Jesus, He will show you what is going on and will replace the loneliness with joy and purpose.

  8. I am glad I have found this website because it really lifted me up knowing God is there for me and he will be there through the toughest times. I have been feeling depressed for about 6 months now and I hate the feeling! I recently moved in with my boyfriend who is the father of my son, I moved in with him believing things were going to be great and I would finally have a partner to help me grow in Christ. The problem is he made many promises to pray, read the bible with me, and go to church before I moved in with him. I was excited and he really got my hopes up, but now that I am actually living with him it’s not at all what I thought it would be. We never read the bible unless I tell him we only pray together when he feels like it which is hardly ever, and we go to church whenever we can make it on time. I feel really bad and feel like I am being drawn away from God when these are the times I need him most. I have just started getting back into church and I get really discouraged when the people who surround me don’t really care. I want to keep trying but I feel like I am so weak I talk to him all the time about it to the point where I’m in tears, and it never really seems to bother him how much I want us to be close to God he feels like we have all the time in the world, but we never know when our time might come and I don’t want my soul to be lost! I don’t know what to do anymore I feel like I am at my breaking point and I just want to completely give up but my heart is telling me not too! I don’t know who else to turn to for advice because everyone tells me to just keep praying but I feel like I could be going other things to! I don’t know how to explain it but I just ask for prayer for me and him because I want us to have a healthy relationship in Christ because the way things are going with us now I don’t think I can take much more of it! Any advice or scriptures that may be helpful?

  9. Yes please keep prayinf for me because htis has been a veery hard time for me now.

  10. I hope this site will help me alleviate my anxiety and depression. I have been severely depressed the last month. I need help from God and from the doctors now. I will read these scriptures.

    1. Author

      Lorenzo – It will help you. Depression is the feeling associated with hopelessness. It is usually caused by spiritual darkness. Read the scriptures and other articles. Let the hope and presence of God flow into you. Work to take control of your thinking and do not dwell on negative thoughts.

      I speak deliverance to you. I speak hope, and joy, and peace and God’s Grace all over you. I curse oppression and speak freedom to you in Jesus Name.

  11. Glad I found this site as well, My Name is Claudia,I’ve suffered for years with depression. I hate being dependent on medication to be well. I was married before in an abusive relationship, so unhealthy, making me even more ill mentally and physically. I ended up in the hospital a few times from depression. I got out of that marriage and by the grace of God I am now remarried to a wonderful man. Recently I suffered a miscarriage a month ago after finally getting pregnant having tried for so long. Of coarse mother’s risk has said it’s supposed to be safe to take my antidepressant during my pregnancy, however its always in the back of my mind that my child could have died because of the medication.
    I chose after the miscarriage to turn to God in the most deepest way I know how, knowing that the enemy the devil will not bring me down, I refuse to go down again. I try to fill my day with music praising His glory and prayer. God is my salvation through all my darkened days. Now we are trying again to get pregnant and I am more than ever determined to get off these damn drugs and yield to God for salvation from depression.
    It may be a bumpy ride, but I want to fight asking God to heal and help me overcome, I’m gonna need His strength and prayer more than ever, cause I know how ugly depression can feel. Like death just sitting on my chest, an overwhelming feeling of doom and hopelessness. I will not let the devil win this time, I need to be purified in Gods name.Please pray for me that I may be healthy mentally and emotionally, that if I should bare a child in my womb, that I won’t need to subject it to harmful antidepressants as it’s trying to grow healthily and make it into this world. Thanks everyone 🙂

    1. Author

      Claudia – When feeling depressed, do the spiritual effort in spite of your feelings and your feelings will turn around. Depression is the feeling of hopelessness. The devil uses it to keep you from going to God in hopeful expectation. Do whatever you can to build your hope up in God. Your hope will soon turn to faith. Keep pushing in; do it just to spite the devil.

      Spend time in the word and spend time with God. Read His word and speak His word. Talk to him, and work out your issues and your situation with Him (Isaiah 43:26). Then speak out what you get from Him. He is faithful. Do your best to give Him the faith with which to work, and for those areas where you do not have any faith, fall upon His mercy.

      He can give you a peace that covers all the understandings of what can happen in life around you. No situation is hopeless, but faith is hard work. Go for it. You might not see it but God is working in you and in your situation. Salvation is coming. Joy is the emotion of hope and peace is the emotion of faith. Work toward it and expect it.

      Philippians 4:6, 7 says: 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

      Keep reading the Word and building your faith. That is what will give you victory in life. Go through our site and see which articles jump out at you, read them. God bless.

  12. Paul we will continue to pray for you.Stay focus on Jesus and His Word read aloud to yourself. There is great website I use when I am here at home doing chores. It’s Bible.is. You can hear His Word as you read along. Try it… 🙂
    The Lord himself goes before you Paul and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you Paul. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Jesus is with you. Remember watch what you think and say.As soon as negative thoughts come in. Rebuke them in Jesus name Amen. Pray: Jesus cover me with your precious blood on you daily. Yoli 🙂

  13. Jesus Is My Only Answer
    🙂 My Testimony With Jesus 🙂

    Saints I have so many testimonies that I have had with Jesus. Usually my experiences are when I am alone with HIM. My very 1st experience my dad had bought me a car to go to school. That day the weather was very hot. So I stop at a grocery store that had just opened to buy a bottle of water. Well, I accidently locked my car with the keys inside. I said,” Oh no!” I went inside the store. I asked, “Can I use your phone?” He answered,” No, I don’t I haven”t install it yet.” I asked him if he had a hanger so I could open my car. He replide,”Sorry I don’t.” My only solution was to break the window. Then, I stop and cried out to Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Lord Jesus help me open the car door. I was out there alone. No one to help me.When all of a sudden I looked to the right and there was this old run down truck coming down the street. He parked next to my car. I went up to him and asked him, “Do you have a hanger with you I accidently locked my keys in my car.” He said, ” Yes, I do have a hanger it’s in back of my truck. I went to get the hanger. There were about 300 hangers or more. Then he offered to help me open the door. I was so relieved. I thanked him and went to get him a drink. When I came back. He was gone. As if he vanished he didn’t even go inside the store. I realize God heard my cry and prayer. There are 4 verses that became a reality that day in my life.

    JER 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

    JER 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

    JER 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

    JER 29:14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD.

    God bless you all Yoli 🙂
    Peace!

  14. FaithMechanic and ALL – God Bless you today. I would like to testify that for a long time last night and all this morning I have been soaking in God’s healing Scriptures and my depression is nearly GONE. I wanted to share some scripture with you, and some notes I took:

    Pro_12:25
    “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”

    Notes:
    1-Anxiety, fear, or sadness in a man’s heart can bring down his emotions and bring him into depression. We are to rebuke anxiety, fear, and sadness so that we do not slip into depression.
    2-We are to have anxiety over nothing and pray about everything as we cast our cares upon the Lord (Php_4:6, Psa_55:22)
    3-A good Word from the Lord (the Bible) or a revelation or conviction in prayer can reverse the effects of depression.
    4-A cheerful word from another person will make the heart glad, but a Word from the Lord conquers depression.

    REMEMBER if you have been saved unto Christ, you are a BLOOD-bought, BLOOD-washing, BLOOD-backed child of the Most High God. You HAVE spiritual authority over all demonic forces but you NEED to take hold of this power for yourself and use it. You need to believe the Bible as truth that pertains to YOU.

    I’ll be checking in on you all. Please do share testimonies.

  15. All – I just wanted to share some encouragement. I’m currently battling a moderate depression. In the past I have battled worse. BATTLE is the key word. I have never been as depressed as I was back in college. It’s 12 years later now. As long as you battle, life will get better. How do you battle? ONLY the Word of God and His saving grace can truly deliver you. This site is packed with great scriptures. There is no sin in taking a pill, but there is a sin in believing the pill is your healer. Pills are just band aids that to some extent may help us to function as we battle. But look to Jesus as the source. And to anyone thinking about suicide DONT. The enemy wants to win your soul to Hell….and eternal Hell is WAY worse than any earthly depression. Don’t be tricked. Reach out for help until you find someone to help you and watch over you. confess that you ARE healed, not WAITING to be healed. Remember the Bible says that we are to confess the things not seen as though they are….so confess that you are healed, until it manifests itself. I’m preaching to myself here too, big time.

    1. Author

      Jesus is My Answer – Thank you! I speak God’s grace and power and love and acceptance and hope and joy all over you in Jesus Name. I believe for your encouragement and continued grace and growth in the word of God. The word of God is the only hope that can fully defeat hopelessness. The word of God is the only thing that can produce the faith that can defeat fear and death. Through hope we can have joy, strength, and the motivation to go on. Through faith we can have rest and peace and victory. His power is enough. His power is always enough, no matter what we may see of feel.

      God bless you. You are an enormous encouragement. Thanks again. You get it. It is all about God and growth in God through His word.

  16. thanks a bunch Yoli…make the lord bless you. i will your advice and go from there..i will keep on seeking the lord himself and will never stop!..I really hope there is a good plan for me, but only god himself would know. keep me in your prayers for we all are brother and sisters under one father…agan thanks!

  17. Paul fight depression with the Word of God. First, repent for all your sins. 2nd ask Jesus to come into your heart. You make HIm Lord of your life. Third, worship Him thru a song of Praise.When I feel overwhelm by problems I turn on christian music and sing. I love to sing along with Kim Walker and Chris Quilala My favorite song is… Your Love Never Fails. Also, Paul confess the scriptures on Hopelessness .You have living hope with Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. You just keep on declaring scripture and join a Baptist Church and Bible Study and prayer meetings. Hang around with people who love Jesus. Invite people over to your house for a “Jesus Testimony Night.” Paul stay active exercise and walk for 20 minutes. Spend quality time with Jesus in His Word at least 30 minutes in His word in the morning and night and thru out the day keep declaring His Word. You will start feeling better and someday you will hear His voice thats when you will get on fire for Jesus. You will start sharing your faith with people God puts in your path. Jesus is real He is not a ghost but, He is a life giving spirit waiting to fill you with His life.There is so much more I want to share. As you spend time with Jesus ask Him,”Jesus what do you want me to do for you today?” He will show you…wait on the Lord Paul. 🙂

  18. The long story short, I’ve been depressed for the past 4-5 months now. just this month that I’ve been feeling a little better. during those months I’ve been having really bad negative thoughts as like to suicide and not having sympathy for others. its gotten to a point where i have anxiety attacks. I’ve been praying more than often and its working. I am a new christian so its really hard at this point. What do u suggest?..I am desperate for help.

  19. Paul – The long story short, I’ve been depressed for the past 4-5 months now. just this month that I’ve been feeling a little better. during those months I’ve been having really bad negative thoughts as like to suicide and not having sympathy for others. its gotten to a point where i have anxiety attacks. I’ve been praying more than often and its working. I am a new christian so its really hard at this point. What do u suggest?..I am desperate for help.

  20. Jenn…I need to ask you a question. Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and savior?

  21. I just can’t seem to get over this. I even take prescription sleeping pills. I slept for over an hour tonight, tossed and turned for a while, now I’ve been up for nearly an hour. I just don’t know what to do. My body and mind is worn totally out with getting very little sleep. I’m getting where I can’t function.

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