“What does the bible say about depression?” is a question many Christians ask themselves. The bible, as we know, has much to say on the subject of mental illness. This blog post will explore what does the bible says about depression?
Depression is a real issue that society needs to address. Unfortunately, many people refuse to acknowledge it as an issue and instead encourage others who are depressed or blue by saying things like “just stop being so sad” or telling them they need help with their faith rather than seeking medical treatment for depression.
This attitude can often be seen in the church, where Christians believe feeling down is sinful and try not to feel anything but joy because of this belief; yet when fellow believers mention how low they’ve been feeling lately, there’s no space given for these feelings among peers or even from pastors themselves!
You may be surprised by how many bible verses for depression there are! So if you’re feeling down or depressed, it’s proper time you read these bible verses for depression and find hope in them.
What Does the Bible Say About Depression?
We all know that the bible is full of the holy spirit and words to live by. Sometimes, finding those words in this book can be helpful for depression sufferers.
Here are Bible verses on depression and trying to find rest within the word of Lord Jesus Christ:
You can never be separated from God- Romans 8:38-39
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
You might feel very bleak and hopeless if you frequently suffer from deep depression. Low self-worth can lead you to feel unworthy of God’s love – so you think you don’t deserve it. This leads to you believing you are unworthy of God, thus cutting yourself off from Him out of self-imposed guilt.
The verses in Romans 8:38-39 are the perfect antidote to depression’s fear of being separated from God. Your relationship with God cannot be broken. Meditation on this verse can help counteract the depressed brain’s cruel trick of feeling detached from God.
The Lord loves you exactly the way you are. He does not judge you because of your depression. If He sees His children suffering, He is brokenhearted. To experience His comfort and love in your depression, draw closer to God instead of fearing separation.
Lord’s Love for the Righteous One- Psalm 34:17-18
“When the virtuous are in need of help, the Lord hears and saves them from their great suffering. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Your burdens will be taken away by Jesus- Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus then said, “Come to me, all of you who are tired and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”. My yoke is upon you. If you allow me to teach you, your souls will be at rest because I am humble and gentle. The yoke I give is light, and the burden I lay on you is easy.”
Depression is undoubtedly an emotionally draining experience. The weight of the world can sometimes feel like it’s crushing people who experience depression. As long as that’s how you feel, then these Scriptures for depression can help you realize that you don’t need to feel that way. Rest is what Jesus wants for you.
Take your burdens to Jesus, and He will carry the weight for you. Yokes are used in agriculture for pulling plows, which are then pulled by two oxen that are yoked together.
Jesus invites you to share the burden of your depression with Him in this Bible verse for depression. You can’t handle it all by yourself. God’s desire for you to be joined to Him so that the load is shared will make the burden lighter for you to bear. It is in this way that you will find hope.
Devid’s Hope in God-Psalm 143:7-8
Here’s how David asked for God’s love when he was on the verge of death,
“O, God! Answer me quickly, My spirit fails! Do not hide your face, or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Lift up my soul and show me the way I should go.”
In this psalm, David feels lost and helpless in the most trying of times. He brings to mind a sense of desperation that only God can help him overcome as he cries out for salvation from his impending death.
Rather than wallowing in misery when there is no hope left, it becomes clear that all one needs do is cry out for guidance with faith, then wait patiently until they are saved from their end-of-the-line circumstances by none other than The Lord Himself!
A very motivating verse for the ones who are experiencing depression.
Lord Jesus Christ offers Eternal Life to the Righteous Followers- John 10:27-31
“Because my sheep hear my voice and know me, they follow me. They are given eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will take them away from me. Those gifts have been given to me by my Father who is greater than all, and no one can snatch them from his hands. We are one. He was stoned again by the Jews.”
However, this doesn’t mean we’ll stay here forever. Instead, it means that the Lord protects us in life here and in the hereafter. Therefore, do not think that you are alone when you are depressed. All your anxieties will be gone once and for all.
When feeling depressed or distraught over a difficult situation, it can often seem hard to believe that everything will work out.
You will never be abandoned or failed by God – Deuteronomy 31:8
“You need not be concerned about your future. The Lord will personally go before you. You will never be abandoned or failed by him.”
Depression can leave you feeling incredibly lonely when you’re experiencing it. We perceive depression as being distorted, so even a simple absence from a friend can feel like abandonment. Whenever you need people, it’s easy to feel as though you’re all alone. Unfortunately, depressed people often disregard logical reasons for not calling their friends.
It is also common to feel as if God has abandoned you, just as you can feel abandoned by friends and family. The Bible verse for depression is quite helpful when you feel that way. Use a post-it note, write it down and place it near the bathroom mirror where you can see it throughout the day.
A promise made by God cannot be broken, and God never fails nor abandons us. God never lets us down, even when we feel down, and He is always there for us. You will not be alone in your depression when you remind yourself that God will not abandon you. He’s right beside you.
In our opinion, these are some of the most encouraging verses in the Bible for people who are struggling. It doesn’t end there, though. Assuring words from God can soothe anyone’s mind in times of trouble. The Bible is full of such terms.
Here are some more assuring and inspiring Bible verses for you:
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 40: 1-2
“God turned to me and listened to my prayer, and I waited patiently for him to help me. My heart was lifted from despair, from the mud and mire. He steadied me as I walked and set my feet on solid ground. A hymn of praise to our God has been given to me as a new song. His actions will amaze many people. Their trust will be in the Lord.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
How to Deal with Mental and Emotional Pain
Though Bible tells us how much love God has for us and the verses are very motivating, it is a common misconception that only quoting some Christian truism to someone experiencing depression will help them feel better.
Theologically speaking, these statements are correct, but they do little good for people who are suffering from medical depression. Their mental and emotional pain requires real-time support from friends or family.
Here are some ways to deal with clinical depression:
Recognize the signs of depression
Depression is a mental health disorder that can be triggered by external factors such as life circumstances. However, if you experience any of these symptoms linger more than two weeks without relief, then you should seek professional advice:
· Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
· Significant weight loss or gain
· Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
· Social isolation
· Inability to concentrate; indecisiveness
· Irritability; agitation; mood.
Seek professional medical advice
Professional licensed mental health professionals are trained to diagnose and treat various conditions that may be causing your pain. They can provide you with time-tested treatments, developing solutions based on their expertise in fields such as psychology, psychiatry, or social work. If they believe medication is needed, licensed psychiatrists will prescribe the appropriate medicines for you.
Licensed therapists may offer you therapy, either one-on-one or in a group. Suppose your depression has an underlying cause, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. In that case, licensed mental health professionals can work with other medical specialists to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Keep yourself busy with hobbies and activities you enjoy
It is important to keep your mind occupied with things you enjoy doing. This will distract you from the negative thoughts that make you feel worse, and it will also give you something positive to focus on during this difficult time.
There are many ways in which hobbies can help, for example, a social hobby such as going out or physical activities like swimming or running.
Practice self-care by eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep
Eating healthy and exercising will help you to feel better physically. It can be not easy when your mind tells you that nothing matters, but with time, it often allows the body to heal itself.
Even if this doesn’t work for everyone, exercise has been shown to improve mood in those who are struggling with depression or anxiety disorders.
It is also important to make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Going without the proper amount of rest can worsen your depression, so you must try and get a good night’s sleep every day.
Don’t compare your situation to someone else’s
We all have life circumstances and motivations that are different. It’s important to remember that everyone has their own problems too – it just might not look the same as your problem does.
For example, you may think someone is doing well because they’re still in school or working a part-time job, but this person could be homeless, struggling with addiction, or dealing with suicidal thoughts. It’s important not to compare your life circumstances and motivation with someone else – only you can decide how life is for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What book of the Bible is good for depression?
When you feel like it’s impossible to go on, a great book can be the perfect escape. This was what Proverbs 12:25 could do for you when you feel depressed and anxious in your heart. It will remind you that people come and go, but God never will; He is always there with us through thick or thin!
Can you overcome anxiety without medication?
We all have different ways to overcome anxiety. Religious people find a lot of relief in their religion and bible, while others find it helpful to talk about the problem with someone close to them.
If you are stuck on this question or want to discuss how you can overcome your depression without medication, feel free to chat with someone on our online counseling chat.
Wrapping Up
Well, that’s all for today! Hopefully, you found some inspiring Bible verses to get through the tough times. When dealing with chronic depression, we always recommend reading the Bible regularly and seeking professional support. Performing both together will give you the best result -the ability to overcome depression quickly. If you have any questions or tips, please feel free to comment below!