Depression is one of the most misunderstood conditions in today’s world. It is often incredibly hard for someone who is not suffering from depression to conceive how someone with depression feels. This inability for non-sufferers to relate makes it incredibly difficult for those suffering from depression to communicate.
To better explain, imagine you have a cold. It would be very easy for a friend or even a total stranger to relate to the suffering you are going through. Congestion, body aches, and coughing are all conditions we are uniformly familiar with. However, those who have not suffered through depression either struggle to grasp the pain that one feels when in depression.
Those suffering from depression can take solace in the fact that there are programs out there created to help reduce or aim to eliminate depression. There are forms of medical treatment, peer counseling, and even clinical counseling that treats depression with a spiritual focus. In keeping with that spiritual theme, here are some Bible verses that can help those suffering from depression. These verses can help serve as a guide for someone suffering through depression as they work to recover.
Deuteronomy 34:8 – 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 discourage.
This verse can be especially helpful in times when you feel that you are alone. Feeling that you have no one by your side to pull you through this tumultuous time can be disheartening. Having faith in the Lord and knowing that he is with you at all times can help to alleviate some of the loneliness.
Psalm 34:17 – The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Psalm 42:11 – Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
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.
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.
This is another verse, that while not addressing depression directly, can help show that regardless of your situation, God will always love you.
Psalm 37: 23-24 – If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
This verse in particular can be helpful to those suffering from depression who believe there is no one out there that is suffering with them. There are currently over 350 million people worldwide that suffer from depression. Depression may feel isolating, but others like you are suffering as well. The verse also brings to pass that you have the ability to recover, which is an essential step to fighting depression.
Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
A simple verse that states something we often take for granted; today. Many people suffering from depression are fighting their future battles. They are worried about what tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year will hold. An important thing is to live in the moment and focus on each day.
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.
Romans 12:12 – Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
This particular verse has profound meaning even in its simplicity. Rejoicing in hope is celebrating the small victories. For those suffering with depression, it is important to accentuate any small victory in the day. Whether it be reaching out to a friend or having the motivation to take a walk; nothing is too small to celebrate. Staying patient in times of tribulation means that you will go through extended periods of tough times. There are no shortcuts here. Be patient in your recovery. Finally, form a relationship with God through prayer which can provide you with added strength as your fight depression.
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