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. Bash, I am so sorry you feel that way. Please read the comments below and you will see that you are not really alone, so many people feel just as you do. My bible class is studying how to pray and the most important thing is that God wants us to pray boldly and fervently, whether we are asking for something for ourselves or for others. We should build prayer circles around our wants and as we walk the circle we keep repeating our request, and we must be specific, not have a general “peace on earth” type prayer. We can write down what we ask for and draw a circle around it and keep praying every day at about the same time, making our prayers louder and more passionate each time, and keep at it until our prayers are answered. Sometimes the biggest problem is to pinpoint what is our Jericho (they walked around the city for seven days before the walls fell down), but we should try. I will pray that God eases you and helps you see that life will be better for you because God does love you!

  2. Hi, I just stumble on this site hoping a word might strike me to feel hope again. I believe I have depression, started having test online and results say I have severe or major depression. My life is so lonely, so empty, so not worth living. I do not think of committing suicide though, I just sometimes I would pray that God would take this life away, never to be awoken from sleep. I cry for almost everyday, I feel helpless, hopeless, very sad.. it just so hard to be happy, I feel like my life is such a failure.. I’m 33yrs old, female, and I feel like a nobody. this world just isn’t for me. Sometimes I would ask God why Jesus hasn’t return yet, when will the world end? because I want it to end.. enlighten me and please pray for me.

    1. you are not along.. I am feeling the same way too.. I will keep you in my prayers… Depression is a trick from the enemy.. becuz most of the times u don’t even realize u are depressed… I been have issues aches pains n headaches and have gone to the dr n don’t see any reason for my issues. and now I realize all my physcial pains come from me being clinical depressed..

  3. I have a 12 yr. old grandson who is sad and I believe depressed. His name is Daniel, he is also a believer! Please pray for him, he’s gone through many, many changes in his life.

    Thank you,
    Theresa

  4. I have been suffering from depression and anxiety for years. I’m financially in a mess and I feel like things will never get better. I think about dying everyday and feel that my life is not worth living. I have been asking for God’s help, but nothing seems to change. Please pray for me

    1. Author

      Leslie – We will pray for you. You will walk out of this in Jesus Name. Scroll down the comments and find one of mine with a bunch of links. Use them to help you find out what is going on. Also, go to our homepage (hit the logo above on this page) and start with the latest article. Read those that jump out at you.

      Spend time with God. Do not beg but expect Him to answer. It is a spirit hindering you. Find out how to deal with it. We love you.

    2. Leslie, You are loved and Jesus has overcome for you. Give it to God. You are forgiven. Keep reading your bible.

  5. Yvonne, I am sorry you are suffering such hurt. It is hard to think rationally when you’re feeling that pain. I’m glad God has helped you in the past and that you’ve had counseling but wonder if you have a regular church and pastor who might help you now? I have no magic words, but you are in my prayers.

  6. I have been suffering with real bad depression & anxiety ever since my dad passed away on September 12th of last year. I hae been soooooooooooooooooooooo unsure of a lot of things lately. I have almost given up on God because of it. PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS. ALSO FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AS MANY SCRIPTURES AS YOU WANT

    1. Rosa, I can understand your hurt from your dad’s passing. My father died a long time ago but many times I realize I will never stop thinking that he is the strongest most able man in the world who will always take care of me and protect me from everything. So when you add the sense of loss to someone who suffers from depression, you see that your feelings are quite normal. You asked for scriptures. Here is something I read that helped me, I hope it helps you, too (don’t know from where I copied it) . You will be in my prayers.

      Here are 21 reasons God may allow more than you can bear:
      So you will rely on him. 1 Peter 5:7 So you will call on him. Acts 17:26-27 So you have no choice but him. John 15:5 So he can tell us things we wouldn’t know otherwise. Jeremiah 33:3 So he can be gracious to you. Isaiah 30:18 So he can show his kindness and compassion. Lamentations 3:21-24 So he can restore your soul. Psalm 23:3 So he can demonstrate his strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9 So you will trust in Jesus — and the Father. John 14:1. So you can produce character and hope. Romans 5:3-5 So he can keep us from being self-reliant 2 Corinthians 12:7 So he can discipline his children. Hebrews 12:6-7 So God’s power is revealed. 2 Corinthians 4:7 So he can show our need for salvation. Psalm 119:67 So he can comfort us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 So we can learn to comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 So he can reveal his unseen workings. Psalm 77:19 So he can demonstrate how all things work for an eventual good. Romans 8:28 So the Gospel might be proclaimed. Philippians 1:12-13 So he can draw prodigals home. Luke 15:17 So he can build character and hope. Romans 5:3-4 Don’t believe the lie. God will allow more on you than you can bear — alone. You and I need him for our every breath.If you feel overwhelmed today — defeated — like there is more on you than you can bear – turn to the burden bearer. “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” (Matthew 11:28)

  7. Please pray with me against depression, torment from rejection and loneliness. 4 years ago, my husband completely turned into the devil himself and left. I have prayed, had counseling, have others to pray, been on medication, and nothing seems to give me peace, this has completely changed me. I have been thru many trials in the past that God has helped me to overcome, but this situation seems to consume my very soul. I can’t seem to get past this thorn in my side.
    I pray for closure and to regain my peace, joy and be happy again.

  8. Alicia, I do know the feeling of being lonely because I am lonely now. But I’m trusting and believing that my husband will come back home to me. If you need someone to talk to as a friend , you can hit me up and we can talk and be friends.

  9. Hello Alicia. Yes, I will pray to God for you, asking Him to grant you peace and comfort… the kind that only He can give, through His spirit. I am sorry that you are hurting. It must be a terrible thing to feel so lonesome.

    If you don’t mind saying, do you have anyone in your area who can give you counsel and advice about this? Someone you could talk to face to face? From my own experience, I know that a good counselor (whether that be a pastor, a priest, a rabbi, or a medical professional) can offer you different ways to look at how your life is going and suggest some things you could try that maybe you haven’t tried before. I think everyone at one time or another could get beneficial help from a good support system. We all need encouragement from time to time. At least I know I do, and it sounds like you do as well. Meanwhile, I will pray that God would bring someone along side you to be a friend.

    It looks like I am not the only one who will be thinking of you and going before the Lord for you. I suspect there will be more, as there are more than just a few people following these posts on the subject of depression. Warm regards to you.

  10. I need prayer. I am 35 years old and I have been lonely ever since I can remember. I don’t know what to do. It is so hard for me to make friends. I talk to people. I’m friendly but people still don’t like me for some reason. It’s been like this since childhood. I am so tired of going through life feeling lonely all the time and not even having a friend. I’ve been thinking about God. I believe in Him. I also believe I have a purpose. It just sometimes my loneliness just overwhelms me. I can’t take it anymore. Please, please someone pray for me.

  11. Greg – I feel for you. The suggestion to write down those who have hurt you and vice versa is good. The problem with some of the other advice is that once you let your mind go to uncontrolled thinking (like about God, good, evil, your self worth), it is too easy for the bad things to come in too and you’re back to square one. Doing something solid like making lists is so good- it ties up your mind and your hands and while you’re busy doing that there is no room for those other thoughts. Make a positive list, write down your good thoughts, too, what you think your strong points are (are you caring? polite? kind?), what you’ve done well, why people like you, what you enjoy doing, what you would like to see or do in a perfect world, anything you want. Then if they persist, well write them down, too, and once you see them in print maybe you will realize they are just words, powerless words. I bet anything that your positive list is longer and stronger. Maybe this can give you strength to fight the demons. God bless.

  12. Let me start by saying I have not always been very religious. I do believe in god and have been asking for his help. I have been struggling with server depression and anxiety for years. I have also struggled with alcoholism and mild drug use since my teen years. Lately I have been in a deep depression and have lost my will to live. I’m 32 years old and just can’t seem to get myself out of the thinking that my life is pointless. I fell hopeless and guilty for thinking about ending my life. I can’t seem to find happiness in anything. I am talking with doctors to try getting some help, but with no healthcare insurance it is hard to pay for. I have read most of this page. I hope this gives me hope for the future and that I can overcome this deep depression. I pray to god and hope he answers my prayers. God bless you all. Thank you

    1. Dear Greg,
      I don’t claim to have the answers you need, but I felt compelled to write to tell you to please, don’t give up. I believe God lives within you [and all of us] through the Holy Spirit. His light shines within you and is waiting for you to uncover His Light by removing the lids that have been placed there by man and things of this world. Please start with writing down all who have hurt you as a child through to your adulthood. [parents, classmates, friends, coworkers, spouses]. And try to forgive them and for those who you cannot find forgiveness, ask God to forgive them through you. Unforgiveness is often one of the biggest lids keeping God’s power to shine through. And don’t forget to forgive yourself. We all make mistakes. We must let go of the baggage of the past so that we can pick up the good things God has in store for us. The thief [our Egos, earthly values] comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I [The Holy Spirt/God/Jesus] have come so that they [we, God’s creations] may have life and have it in abundance.
      “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you [your free will to choose], that I have set before you life [God’s Holy Spirit within us] and death [The Ego; Earthly ways], blessing [fruits of the spirit, love, joy peace…]and cursing [anger, hatred, envy, holding in high regards things of this world-people’s opinions, the ego]; therefore choose life[Choose to let the Holy Spirit within you guide you], that both you and your descendants may live[following the promptings of the Holy Spirit will create an effortless life that will bring to you abundance in everyway and let your light shine for all to see and to want what you have, your peace, your joy, your abundance in all things]; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice [your gut feelings ie. the promptings of the Holy Spirit within you], and that you may cling to Him [trust in the promptings], for He is your life….” Deuteronomy 30:19-20
      I share with you this tale which speaks to my heart:

      The Tale of Two Wolves
      One evening, an elderly
      cherokee brave told his
      grandson about a battle that
      goes on inside people.

      he said “my son, the battle is
      between two ‘wolves’ inside us all.
      one is evil. it is anger,
      envy, jealousy, sorrow,
      regret, greed, arrogance,
      self-pity, guilt, resentment,
      inferiority, lies, false pride,
      superiority, and ego.

      the other is good.
      it is joy, peace love, hope serenity,
      humility, kindness, benevolence,
      empathy, generosity,
      truth, compassion and faith.”

      the grandson though about
      it for a minute and then asked
      his grandfather:

      “which wolf wins?…”

      the old cherokee simply replied,
      “the one that you feed”

      Greg, please know that you are loved. Never give up. It’s not an easy task to uncover all of the lids [that were created by our experiences in life]
      to let God’s light shine through, but I know it will be worth it.

      God’s abundant blessings are within you. Choose them. Feed them. Your life will be amazing and you will be a beacon for others.
      May God Bless You!

  13. Thank u for ua prayer and encouragement. I will hold on to God for he is the source of my strength. Am sure the devil is trying to fight me but he is defeated in the name of Jesus. He comes to steal kill and destroy but Jesus came that we may hv life in fulness. Am telling Jesus i want to experience life in its fulness. Am standing on His promises for they are yes and amen. Lord in your hands i lay my life. Plz continue praying with me.

    1. for Jayne and all who are suffering – are you a regular churchgoer? If so, speak with your pastor, join a study group, get involved in something. If you are not, find a church where the atmosphere is more conducive to speaking with God. Remember that many are praying for you, God is listening to you, and He will absolutely see you through!

  14. I certainly relate with your situation right now, as at a few days ago I was letting depression get the best of me, believing I had not achieved anything at my age, finances is at zero, practically everything is at zero, however, there is life, and a time for everything, Do not give up on God because he will never give up on you. Call on the name that is above all names, the name that heals, the name that gives life, he is the unchangeable changer, God of impossibilities, he makes a way where there is no way… Call on God today and believe, before you know it, your situation will turn around. “You will outlast your problems for your best days are ahead of you. You will come out stronger. Wait upon the Lord, and he will renew your strength. I pray for you today that you shall be at peace, and everything will turn around for your good. God bless you

  15. Hi all i hv been reading your articles and find them very helpful. I hv also been suffering frm depression and sometimes it really weighs me down. My life has really changed since i got depressed. I was this kind of a person who never gave up on anything but this has suddenly changed. Nowadays i find myself giving up on anything no matter how important it is. Have tried medication, prayers and even reading the word of God and nothing seems to work. Plz somebody tell me what to do.

  16. Since I was 18 years old I suffered from anxieties in school and work, then it lead to depression. Now Im 25 taking anti depressant at first my depression is lessen i feel good. then i finish medicine for 6mnths. After 2 mnts plus not getting enough sleep due to my workfield and thinking negatives my anxities back I take meds again but i stop it, due to side effects. I pray a lot and cry cause i know God will help me. But I think a lots of prayer with you guys makes us better. Now im depress =( i feel i am not me..

  17. Sometimes I feel like I am drowning. I feel hopeless and like everyone is out to get me. I feel like every person is thinking negatively about me. I wish there was a way to stop all these thoughts and focus my energy only on positive. I get to a good place and then I fall. Pray for me that I find strength.

    1. Tiff – odd to read this right now because lately I’ve also been feeling like everyone is negative about me and I’m trying to think what I did that caused it. I’ve been praying and think I’m about to regain perspective because I’m remembering that God thinks I am worthy so even if some people don’t, who cares? And whatever I did, if I did anything wrong at all, is done and there is nothing to be done about it now. Try to pay attention to God and yourself now, not think about other people, that should give you some self-assurance and confidence, and if you act confident you will gain confidence. Always remember that many other people feel just like you do – and we can’t all be in the wrong, right?! Bless you.

    2. Please REBUKE IT WHEN IT PULLS YOU DOWN. Please say this words over and over… I rebuke you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. It is a demon that is doing this to you. REBUKE IT IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST

    3. Hi Tiff,
      May the Lord, our God restore your heart and heal you dear. I know what are you going through well I’m have been there. Its sad and I felt alone n angry. Mix feelings. I wasn’t good enough for anyone not even for my parents. Hope we can overcome all negativity that surround us. I’m building my Faith like n praying and asking God to build the fire in my heart for Him. Stay strong focus smile always no matter what no matter how dark may seem. God bless U

  18. last night i really feel that GOD is with me. when im alone in my room, crying, i ask GOD that i will sleep on his lap, and ask him to comb my hair untill i get sleep. and in a minute i really feel his presence , and was able to sleep good.
    i want to learn more how to overcome my depression, im still fighting on this for a long time.
    is anyone can help me please.

    1. Carm, my heart goes out to you. I can only suggest that you find quiet times during the day to think of God and talk to Him, just as you did that night, and let His presence reach you. Seeking God’s presence is a continuous process, we can only do it in quiet solitude or meditation, but as you have seen, when the time is right He will touch you! Blessings to you.

  19. please, i suffering a depression. i really need help. i want to get over on this. please help

  20. I forgot to say, on the first site go down to the bottom to #5 and do an exhaustive search for your need.

  21. Connie – thank you, I will try to keep your words in mind. I know part of my problem, and probably of many others, is that there is no one to whom I feel close enough to share, and also that those with whom I feel somewhat close (my church family) must get very tired of my moroseness. I wouldn’t want to be around anyone like me, either.

  22. Samuel – thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me, I will keep your words in mind as we seek to find the joy God wants us to live.

  23. Samuel – I hope you know what a success story you are! God bless you.

    1. Kay- Thank you so much, you are truly a blessing. I was reading some of your posts and I just wanted to tell you that when you have those tough days, just know that it means your blessing is very close…. This has personally been a tough week (since Sunday), but I realize once we go through the biggest storms, those “pop up storms” are a lot easier to cope with…. There is a book that I was reading the other day that talked about relieving all worry and guilt from one’s thoughts…. Someone mentioned on here about forgiveness, forgiveness is a huge key to recovery (I’m living proof)… Anxiety is caused by various issues that may have occurred at one stage in a person’s life… sometimes, the mind has a way of overthinking itself trying to get over a hurdle that may be completely different from what the person may assume caused the initial anxiety.

      Anxiety has a way of playing tricks on people, it truly is in the mind, the hard part is that once the mind starts moving fast, it is hard to get the mind back into that realistic zone. It has gotten to the point when crazy thoughts come into my head, I welcome them knowing that God has my back. Eventually, we will all laugh at this, we will be back on track shortly… We just have to find a way to channel the mind, we will be just fine.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.