Everyone goes through depression from time to time. It is absolutely normal, even for Christians. However it becomes a problem when you remain in a state of depression of an extended period of time. What can a Christian do when they encounter depression? What advice can we find in the pages of scripture?
First of all, there is nothing wrong with being depressed. It is natural for all people to experience times of depression. When you are unable to break loose from a prolonged state of depression, you can seek counseling from a licensed Christian counselor or therapist. They are trained in how to deal with depression and they hold to biblical principles and values so you can find God’s perspective and receive the help you need. Aside from seeing a counselor or therapist, what particular Bible verses or stories can help a person break free from such a state?
There are several people in the Bible who endured depression and to such an extent where they contemplated suicide. Of course suicide is never an answer. It never solves anything. We can read of others who went through severe depression and they are a veritable “who’s who” of the Bible: Job (Book of Job), Abraham (Gen. 15), Jeremiah (Book of Jeremiah), Jonah (chapter 4), King Saul (I Sam 16), Elijah (I Kings 19), and even the greatest king that Israel ever had, King David (Book of Psalms).
Sometimes depression has a physical cause and not an emotional cause. I used to work as a Mental Health Case Manager and there are brain chemical imbalances that can cause severe depression. These are treatable. At other times depression can be caused by emotional upheavals. It’s important to realize that our emotions can not change our state of salvation. We might have doubts and fears but God’s Word is certain and sure. We can depend upon God’s unchanging nature. Our emotions can change from day to day, but God never changes (Heb 13:8, Malachi 3:6). His Word gives a believer so much hope and has real power in it to encourage us.
God loved you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you and me (John 3:16). Why? Because God loves you unconditionally. The Psalms are one of the greatest books in the Bible that can help us realize just how much God watches over us and is protecting us. The Word of God is so full of the reassurance of God’s love. Read these verses to see exactly what He thinks of you:
Bible Verses To Help With Depression
Zechariah, 2:8: “For this is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.”
Deuteronomy 32:10: “In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye.”
Psalms 17:8: “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings”
Psalm 27:5: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”
Psalm 36:7: “How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalm 63:7: “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalm 91:1: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart (a fortification, a means of protection or defense).”
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Joshua 1:5: “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5b has a similar saying, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Of course when a person loses a spouse, a child, a close friend or relative, it is natural to go into a state of depression. This is a fallen world and things go wrong, but a great way to beat depression is to give thanks to God. This is how King David came out of his depression. David did not write all of the Psalms, but when you read the Psalms that he did write, you’ll find that they often start out with David being in sheer agony, hopelessness, and even in a state of depression. But keep reading. David usually ends his Psalms by giving thanks to God: for His salvation, for His faithfulness, for His certain deliverance, for His protection. We have a hope and a future that the world doesn’t have. I often feel empathy for those in the world who are not saved. They have no security in their tomorrows. They don’t know where their deliverance will come from. They do not have a God that is watching their back.
When I have experienced depression from time to time, I have sought the advice of others. One thing that is helpful is to volunteer to help others. It has harder to be depressed when we are helping others. Also, find a trusted friend, family member, or a fellow Christian in whom you can confide in and talk with. Sometimes just talking about your depression can help you identify what the root causes are. Why not try writing out on a piece of paper the many things that you have to be thankful for (I Thess. 5:18). These may include having a family, a home, a job, food on your table. Even the poorest Americans are far richer than the vast majority of the world. They can not always lay their head down at night safely on a pillow, inside a home, or know where their next meal is coming from. It is hard to be depressed when we are giving thanks.
Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. If you remain in an extended period of depression, seek medical help, see your doctor, or seek a qualified counselor or therapist. Depression can be caused by a variety of reasons such as a chemical imbalance in the brain, hormonal changes, brain irregularities or other causes that may be undiagnosed. If you feel suicidal, seek immediate help. This article is not intended to treat or be used to diagnose Clinical Depression.
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Resources:
The Holy Bible, New International Version
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Nice article Jack, I have one that we often recommend to the one that is suffering with depression. We challenge them to memorize it:
Philippians 4:4-7 ( KJV )
4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Thinking on the right things is a good place to begin.
Thanks this helps to takes the worry out of commiting suicide now that I will not lose my salvation. Because of what the govt. has done to my life I have no reason to live anymore.The churches I tried to get help from did’t care that what the govt. is doing is wrong they stand with the govt.
Mr. Seaman, thank you for your comment. Please don’t do anything drastic, I beg you to get counseling. We will pray for you sir and we can beseech God Almighty, in Jesus’ name, to get you help in finances and in knowing that others are praying for you. Do you have a church home that can help you out temporarily? Our church has a benevolent fund for such emergencies for families in our community. Go to someone or seek help, even if it is professional help. I am not condoning suicide, I am just stating that depression is a serious issue and that God can help and He will use other people to help you. Know that you are not alone. We will be praying for you. PLEASE don’t do anything drastic, I beg you, in the name of our Lord and God.
This morning I came online searching for ANYTHING that may help me focus on my faith and God’s love. Without being a Doctor I am still of mind to say that I feel I am beyond clinically depressed. I suffer from Multiple Sclerosis which in itself causes depression and at times severe physical pain. My icing on the cake sp to speak is for the last 11 years I have been dealing with Ovarian and Bladder Cancer which have included multiple rounds of Radiation and over 30 surgeries. I have shut myself off from the outside world, people, friends, family because I “fear” being around anyone. I am married but it has been a difficult 15 years as he’s not a Believer and is abusive mentally, physically, and has had two affairs which resulted in him bringing home Stds which were passed on to me and of course these add complications to my existing health concerns. I realize and admit I have an “unhealthy” love for him and have not been able to break free. We have a BEAUTIFUL daughter who just started middle school and I love her with everything I have. I try to hide the tears, depression, etc, but it’s just not fair to her as I know she isn’t stupid and knows the turmoil in our home. Today I sit here crying asking for any and all prayers as I feel I’ve reached the bottom. Thank you
Sherry, I am so sorry for all that you are going thru and all you have endured. What a trial that I have not heard anything to compare to. You can count on my prayers. Your daughter sounds like such a blessing and so you have her to go on for. I am at a loss to help you, but only prayers before the throne of God for you. I know it is not much for what you are experiencing, but praying for you and your daughter too. This trial is so severe, that prayer is the only thing we can do but is also the most powerful thing.
Very thoughtful article! Thank you for posting it and for including the bible verse’s focused on God’s love and care for us.
Typo correction…bible verses…
And I thank you so much for your kind words. Truly God wants us to comfort and love one another and the Word of God, from the Bible will truly do it. Please come back again when you can.