Bible Verses For Depression: Pursuing Hope
These Bible verses for depression will lift you out of despair and bring light to your darkness.
I was a few months post partum when suddenly a dark depression engulfed my life. This sad mood wasn’t something I could just snap out of. It engulfed me like a mist. I remember feeling desperate for a light to show me the way out.
As a Christian, I knew the source of the light was Jesus himself. While my treatment for depression was multifaceted, including nutritional therapy and supplements, God was the one who planted my feet on the path of recovery.
Through prayer and research, I saw God specifically answer my needs. Slowly, I was able to heal.
I share my experience using supplements, tinctures, and essential oils to help alleviate my depression in these posts.
Please note this is just my experience. If you are struggling with depression, support yourself with a qualified doctor, counselor and pastor. Don’t go it alone!
I also spent a significant amount of time seeking after God.
In my weakest moments I turned to His word to guide my recovery. I spent hours prayer journaling and meditating on His word. The words of the Bible can truly be a healing balm, and a beacon of hope in dark times.
I pray these verses provide hope and restoration on your journey today. At the end of this post you’ll find more tips for lifting your mood through Bible verses, prayer and worship.
20 Scriptures That Provide Hope During Depression
All of these Scriptures are taken from an NIV translation. As you read through, jot down the Scriptures that speak to you. Ask a trusted friend or family member to pray the verse over you!
Psalm 130:1
“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord. Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.”
God knows our every trouble, share with him your worries today!
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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.”
Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Remember that no matter how you are feeling, or how bleak things may seem, God still loves you and will not leave you!
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
This is one of my favorite verses. We may not know why we are going a painful period in life, but we can rest in His understanding instead of our own.
Psalm 27: 1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?”
Rely on the Lord to be your light. Even as I went through my deepest depression, I knew God would provide my light to find the way through. It took time, but He did!
Psalm 23:1-3
“The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not be in want. Makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his names sake.”
This famous Scripture promises that we will never be alone. He will guide us and restore our souls!
Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Read more Bible verses on faith and hope here!
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
I can remember memorizing this verse in times of trouble and feeling so encouraged. Determine to focus on the Lord’s promises each day. Pray for renewed strength like in this beautiful verse from Isaiah!
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
I asked God to redeem my depression and restore joy to my life many times. It was a process, but he did!
Psalm 43:5
“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.”
The Psalms are full of lament. Going through times of sadness and trouble are a normal part of the human experience. Please know that you are not alone.
Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
When your mind is filled with doubt and worry, ask God to fill you with the fruits of the Spirit. Ask Him to provide love, joy and peace.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Again, pray over this verse and ask God to renew your mind and bless you!
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
It can feel at times like we are just chained to depression. No matter the struggle, there is hope in Christ!
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.“
Depression can be like a thief, stealing our identity from us. I can remember feeling so worthless and discouraged. Know that God designed you wonderfully, for His Glory. And even when going through struggles (and we all have struggled!), God has a plan for your life!
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.”
Speaking of God’s plan, this famous verse is one to memorize when going through depression. One thing that gave me hope during my struggle was knowing that God had a future for me. I could look into the sweet faces of my kids and see it!
If you are a tired mom, read this.
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.”
Psalm 40:2
“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.”
I love the illustration here… God is able to take rescue us from the deepest pits in our lives.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“
If you need a reset with your kiddos, read this.
What Does God Say About Anxiety and Depression?
It is easy to feel guilt or shame about having depression. But many times, our bodies are affected by things out of our immediate control. Genetics, life stress, tragic events… can all contribute to depression.
God is not oblivious to the human condition. He created us and knows us intimately, even the struggles we encounter.
Psalm 139 tells us, “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. your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
God knows our pain and struggle and is with us in each and every one of our days.
The Bible makes it clear that God is near to those who are downcast and depressed. Don’t believe the lie that God does not care for you during this time of hardship!
Psalms 34:18 says,
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.”
God desires for us to turn to him to find restoration and hope.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26
Bible Study Tips For Depression
Have you ever read a Bible verse and realized it’s immense power and truth in your life, only to forget it within an hour?
Me too. That’s why it’s so important to meditate on the word. Here are a few tips to help you retain Bible verses when combating depression:
- Meditate on one verse or scripture. Then, spend time copying the verse by hand onto 3×5 cards, then carry it with you. Read through it several times daily, until you have it memorized.
- Write or print out your favorite verse and display it in a prominent place, like the fridge or your bathroom mirror.
- Start a prayer journal and pray over the verses that encourage you. Pray God’s truth straight from the Bible over yourself!
- Find a prayer partner or accountability partner. Meet weekly in person or on phone call. Share your favorite verses together.
- Memorize Scripture with your kids/spouse (if they are willing). Share your favorite verses with them and make it part of your morning routine to recite scripture together.
Listen To Worship Music To Help Depression
When going through a hard time emotionally, I also recommend listening to worship music as much as possible. God does desire our praise. But he also uses worship to heal us, fill us with joy, and ward off negativity and sin. God can use worship music as a wonderful tool to help you heal.
I hope these Bible verses for depression have lifted your spirit and provided hope for you today. I know how hard it is to struggle through depression and to grasp for hope. Never give up, you are truly not alone. I pray that God blesses you today with hope and answers in your struggle.
Wonderful post Jamie and beautiful photographs. Saving this so I can reference it. Thank you for this resource.
Thank you so much Julie! Appreciate you stopping by!