My daughter had just turned fifteen months when I was suddenly hit with debilitating depression. I tended to my baby’s needs but not much else. I would lie in bed most of the day barely having energy to brush my teeth and then half an hour before my husband came home from work, I would scramble to tidy, make a fast dinner and present a smile to him when he walked through the door. I was a good actress. The guilt was overwhelming. The self-deprecating voice became my constant companion and I listened to the lies that only caused me to spiral further downward. A trip to the dentist…yes, a dentist…triggered an emotional outburst from me when he commented that I appeared “down”. He wouldn’t let me leave his office until I had called my doctor and made an appointment to see her. When my doctor put me on “suicide watch”, I knew I needed help.
Depression is not simply a temporary change in mood or a sign of weakness. It is a real medical condition with many emotional, physical, behavioural and cognitive symptoms.
Many people are ashamed or afraid to ask for help. Others shrug off their symptoms and end up suffering in silence. Contrary to some misconceptions, depression is neither inevitable nor is it a character flaw. People with depression often get these ideas because of the feeling of guilt caused by the illness. Depression is a real health problem for which help is available. But you must be aware of it and know how to ask for help. http://www.depressionhurts.ca/en/about/
In my case, the root cause of my depression was the fact that I felt like a complete failure after a traumatic birth and subsequent side effects that left me with the inability to live up to my expectations of a “perfect” mom. The enemy would constantly whisper to me how great my failures were every day. After a while I began to believe the lies. Thanks to my doctor, and a caring friend who redirected me to try to draw closer to God, I was able to crawl out of a dark pit of despair and find the HOPE and help I needed. These verses helped me during that time, may you also find encouragement if you or someone you know is struggling with depression.
Psalm 8:1-6 “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”
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.”
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.”
Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”
2 Samuel 22:29 “You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”
Psalm 32:10 “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:4 “Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!”
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.”
Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Psalm 9:9 “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
Psalm 37:23-24 “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
Psalm 3:3 “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Psalm 34:18-19 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;”
Psalm 143:7-8 “Answer me quickly, 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 entrust my life.”
Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Romans 8:26 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Philippians 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
When the enemy starts to tell you lies of why you are worthless and a failure, don’t listen to him! Read Psalm 139 and focus particularly on these verses: 13-14: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Lynn Dove's Journey Thoughts 
Very nice blog you have here
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Thank you. I am grateful for these encouraging verses you shared from God’s Word.
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God is good and just and righteous and merciful and all wise
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A real angel caught me and layer me down after I was ejected in a car wreck, know why…. I prayed. And God listens. Thank you for this good pure love and encouragement YPU are giving with your life, now. I am Charlotte saved in 2008. Peace. Take care tonight and always.
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Thank you for sharing this. It will help with the series I am working on!
Blessings
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Thank you for this post, My 13 year old daughter is going through dark times and I am crying out to God to help me. The verses you shared are good.
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I have been dealing with depression all through childhood and am still afflicted with it(I’m 61). In 1975, I had an argument with my boyfriend and tried to commit suicide by taking large quantities of aspirin. I was taken to the hospital and had to have my stomach pumped. My sister was there, but wouldn’t talk to me about it. I got no support from my family. My dad once told my mom, “Just ignore her” when I came home crying one day about being upset when I was told how dumb my clothes were. I had an abortion from my ex boyfriend which led to more depression. I have a hard time making friends and coworkers never seem to want to include me in with anything. The biggest blow to me was when I lost my job two years ago and I was REALLY depressed. My husband was told by his psychologist brother to “ignore me” and then my husband said, “Shut the F____ up!” I never got over that comment. I pray for healing, but like the other comments I read here, I sometimes have doubts God hears me. I stumbled across this website and am hoping these versus will help because I constantly have suicide on my mind. Now I know I’m not the only Christian who suffers from this terrible disease! Thank you.
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Carol, thank-you for sharing your story with me and I will definitely pray for God to bring about healing in your life. It is imperative too, that you seek wise council from trained professionals that deal with patients suffering from depression. On Wednesday, here in Canada there is a movement called http://letstalk.bell.ca/en/ that I encourage you to go to the website and check out resources so you can get the help needed. Talk to a trusted friend and talk to your local Pastor or to your family doctor. You are not alone!
Dear God,
I lift up to you, Carol who has shared her burdens with me. I pray You would comfort her, love her and lead her to find the help she needs in the days and weeks ahead. Lord, surround her with Christian men and women who will speak into her life and support her. You have a plan and a purpose for her life. May she discover her part in Your Great Big Story! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
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Carol, much of your story is all too familiar to me. I can relate!!! I’m 41, and have been unemployed for 7 months now and I am very depressed. I have suffered from a lifetime full of depression, abuse, and not always fitting in with my peers. It has been very painful at times. But there is hope! There is help for depression! God is right there holding our hand and has gone before us! Also, there is help with doctors, medicine, and counseling. If you have not been to see a doctor about your depression, I urge you to! They can help you and you should not be ashamed to ask for help. I just recently went back to my doctor because I was sinking lower and lower into depression, and he adjusted my medication, which I obviously needed. And I have family and a few close friends that are supportive at this time in my life. And I do not take that for granted because there have been times that I had no one to turn to. I will be praying for you Carol, that God puts the right people in your life that will be supportive and also that you find a good doctor that can help. Hang on! God is never late, he’s always right on time!
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Thank you.
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im struggling so much the last few days also, after breaking up with my girlfriend 3 weeks ago because I want to be Christian and she doesn’t, it really hit me the last few days though how much I miss her, and thoughts about what I am doing come into my head asking me what am I at, is there even a god, or is the god I believe in the right god. suicide has been on my mind a lot. I need Gods help but I don’t seem to have the faith. im wondering is there a demon in me, its so heavy at times I cant even get out of bed?
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Berni,
Scripture tells us that the enemy will attack us when we want to follow Christ. You have chosen between your girlfriend and your willingness to be a follower of Christ. Do not be disheartened by that decision. If you have thoughts of suicide, however, you must tell someone you trust who lives close to you, and seek professional counsel. It is imperative that you phone a suicide prevention line in your city.
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I have been suffering from depression and anxiety on and off for 13 years. I was diagnosed with bipolar, but I am not sure I am bipolar because I have never been manic. I just don’t understand the symptoms. I am a born again Christian but can’t seem to get any relief from this mental pain. I have been to many doctors and can’t seem to get any help professionally. I just started counseling with a very strong Christian woman. I’m in such agony, I don’t want to live with this anymore. Thank you for this website. I’m not alone.
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This morning i woke up feeling depressed. My work situation has been pressing me down and i just find it hard to cope. My prayer life has been affected and I feel defeated. Reading these verses shifted sonwthing in me. The depression and anxiety i was diagnosed with doesnt have to define me. I choose to rely less on myself and more on God for He has the answers and He is omnipotent. I choose to remove the heavy burden by surrendeingr all to Him. God is our creator and He has plans for our lives. Let us seek Him more and lay our lives on Him. He cares. He restores our souls. I made a mistake of running to everything else but Him. The enemy used this to his advantage. Today i got reminded that God is in my situation
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Thank u for ur encouraging scriptures that u have shared. I am going thru some major issues right now and my best friend advised me to look up some scriptures on sadness and I came across you and so glad I did! I am going to read further on ur scriptures. I am a messianic Jew. Was saved in 1997 so all this is so new to me. Thank u!
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brethren I great you in the name of our lord Jesus, I have spent most of my time disagreeing God’s existence till I found my answer, not only did I find out that he lives but I got to know that I don’t really know who I am. this has left me emotionally unstable with only anger as a defined feeling controlling my life. it has even cost me my academic life please help.
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Engwedu George, give over your anger to God and know that you are His child. If you have not discovered His peace go to https://lynndove.com/the-gospel-message-get-it-got-it-good/ Lord, I pray for this child of yours. Take away the anger, fear and doubt and give that peace that surpasses understanding. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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So out of the blue I stumbled across this whilst searching on Google. I want to say thank you as I suffer with depression and anxiety after feeling like a failure when I had two miscarriages and then my ex cheating on me me straight after to find out his new girl friend got pregant straight after. I felt my life was not worth living it’s been a year and I’m still struggling, I kind of threw myself in to work and ignored it. Now im getting help and slowly getting better. I have re read this page and it gives me hope so thank you so much x
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Depression off and on for several years. I deal with several chronic illnesses I have fibromyalgia diabetes Parkinson’s and neuropathy. Along with the depression this is just too overwhelming I too am a Christian and I have enjoyed reading the Bible quotes on this page. Thank you very much
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I suffer a month an anxiety.. feeling worry all the time.. even if im joining christiIan community..but god redeeming me all the time .. he is there fo me and to all of us.. I rested on his love now.. god help me all the way.. putting my self before you and trusting you.. your a driver on my life.. my life is yours before now and tomorrow..
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Dear brothers and sisters in Jesus. Please pray for me. Am moving from my home. Will stay with Sons till I find another place. I suffer with depression and this move is extremely difficult
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I am dealing with consequences from my past when I did not know the Lord as I know him now.The world had the best of me .I know God is a forgiving God and will not forsake me.Order my footsteps and let my story be a testimony.
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Hi Beth, sorry to hear you feel thst way. You said you’ve already tried multiple methods, would counselling have been one of those? It helps to talk about the root cause of the issue and also focus on a some daily low impact exercise. I will keep you in prayer. Actually call this number 1-800-669-7729 (Silent Unity) they pray 24 hrs a day and been doing it for 125 years according to their websites. Got the number from a friend at work that swears it works for her in very difficult almost impossible situations over and over again. God blesd you…
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I am desperate. Long term depression with many methods of treatment. Nothing works for long. I am a Christian but I do not understand why I can be relieved. I pray and feel moments of peace. I am old and I want to give up.
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I have depression still have it till this day i cry thinking no one can understand me how do i know these verses will work? Will God also change my way of knowing hes there with this?
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Sarah, I too feel that no one understands me. I like to be by myself because of my insecurities. I am a Christian. I stayed far away from the Bible for months now until today when I realize that I need God more than anything else. How do you know these verses will help? I can’t exactly answer that question, but I can ask you to read them to yourself every single day and pray that God will come close to you. He does love us and He cares so much for us. We hear His voice through His daily provisions, the beautiful flowers and lush green trees. We know He is there because we have life.
He speaks to us through friends and mostly through His Word. I will encourage you as I will do for myself to spend time in the Bible daily and to pray for the Holy Spirit to make the words clear. Our God is an awesome God and I am grateful that He is, because without His presence, I certainly would not be here today. That is enough reason to live.
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I’ve never been like this before. It hurts so bad and everyday there are reminders of what once was. I know God is there and that He loves me but its so hard to feel His presence right now because of this. I’m so tired and so weary… Jesus help me please!
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Thank you so much Lynn for this list of scripture. I’ve read them before during my own search but seeing them all helped me. What started out several years ago as occasional panic, anxiety due to working and threat of lay offs has now turned to constant fear of everything. God’s word is a blessing and I pray each day for peace and deliverance. This season in my life will not last for I know God is my refuge Psalm 62:5-8 and will deliver me from this dark time Psalm 30:1-3. I pray for all those here that are hurting, that God’s healing hand will touch you and heal you in Jesus Name
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Hi, I don’t want to bore you with my story so ill get to the point, I “suffer” from “Manic Depression”. It’s terrible, I cut myself, have suicidal thoughts, i even tried to KILL my self, but a friend stopped me. The point is, I couldn’t control it, I would rather die, AND I’m a christian, I play in the band at church, got baptized by the Holy Spirit, but I still was battling it.
Last Sunday a missionary came and spoke at our church, I started to weep and weep(I was in a really high point that morning, I wanted to die) He walked over and prayed for me, AND MY DEPRESSION, NOBODY knew but a close friend of mine, and a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I can’t say I’m totally healed, but I can say, without a doubt, that God has given me strengthen through it all.
-God Bless
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What an amazing testimony!
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I’ve Suffered from depression most of my life. Even as a child. Sexual abuse, Drug abuse. My husband of 8 years just passed this past August. I feel like I can’t go on anymore. I’m scared of the World & the people in it. Thank you for these verses. I pray that they will help. I’m at my Witt’s end. God Bless All!!
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I’m praying for you, Thelma. I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety all my life. It got worse after a brain injury. Childhood sexual abuse, rape and more. I have to say that God has been incredible through it all. He kept me so I wouldn’t let go. It has taken almost three years but I battled so many issues and did it with God’s power, love, mercy, and grace. I pray you too can feel the burden of depression lifted from you’re life so that you can #breakfree #livefree and use the talents God has gifted you with to bless others. I have been bless to also start my own blog to help encourage women being attacked by the enemy with illness and illness. We have power in the name of Jesus. I happened to come across Lynn’s website here and fell in love with it. It has been such a blessing and I pray it continues to be.
Peace & Grace,
Maria @theglassmom
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Hi. I’m Cassandra and I struggle with MDD and undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Since of these verses helped allot. Needed to hear then.
… never give up “a live dog is better off than a dead lion”
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Love these. Thank you so much for sharing!
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Thanks for posting this. I’ve never experience depression before but what I’m going thru I know is depression and its real!!! Pregnant with my 4th child and I’m all alone. To ashamed to tell anyone cuz of the circumstance so I find myself holding a lot in and its causing me to not wanna live. Thanks to your postings I will be reading them in my bible in prayer that I’m released from this. Thanks again!!!
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Thank you for sharing. In addition to finding comfort in Scripture I urge you to make an appointment with your family doctor. A doctor can recommend you to other resources in your community to help you.
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Thank you…..I’m very discouraged and feel like giving up tonight. No one knows how I’m feeling. My husband knows I’m not happy, but not how deep.
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Thank you for your site, my son is struggling with depression and your site has really encouraged me with some great scripture. Now I pray that my son will receive these scriptures and be encouraged.
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I think we feel the same…
Jane
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Me also.
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i’m lying here trying to get out of bed & not wanting to go to work. thank you for your website.
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I feel that I cannot thank you enough for sharing these scriptures. I have been barreling with anxiety and having panic attacks for the past year now. I am trying to draw closer to the Lord and I can honestly say reading these scriptures, I felt the presence of Holy Spirit. I ask that you pray for me in this time. Thank you again
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Thank you. Its been a week in my depression. This verses gave me hope. Please, pray for me.
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Thank you and thanks to God for giving us people many chances to get closer to him and salvation.
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thx alot for the bible verses. alot going thru ma mind and needed bible verses to encourage me. married for 7months n trusting God to conceive. missing ma parents comfort zone. i miss singlehood. i am so downcast right now. its well with me.
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Thank you so much for this list. I have the opportunity to speak to a youth group on anxiety and depression and was looking for a list of verses to give them about depression. Your list was perfect. Thank you for putting it up!
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Some times it is when we are at our lowest that we feel his presence the most. It’s what holds us together when we almost fall apart and it’s what brings us back to life when we feel hopeless. I’m glad I found this page.
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I thank God for using you. I believe that this link will be a help to my sister.!!!
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Thank you very much for this entire blog post. My friend is going through depression as of right now, and I am compiling a list of encouraging verses for her. I think she will enjoy many of these very much. Thanks again!
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Thanks a million for the great spirit-filled site. I have a brother who has some issues with depression and I’m sending him your link and am praying it will help. I’m also going to do some “relaxing” on your other Verse pages for myself and again, wanted to say thank you and God’s blessings to you from Texas.
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Sorry the beginning of February
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Thank you so much for sharing these verses . Tonight is a difficult night and I am lying awake just searching for emcouraging verses and words to repeat to myself as this is a painful and dark valley. I know God loves me it’s just been tough. Thanks again, you have blessed me tonight.
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(At the beginning of the month I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder/depression)
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Nicole, I am glad that these scriptures encouraged you. God is in control of all of your circumstances. Lean on Him and He will direct your paths.
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