Depression and mental illness are very real and serious issues in our society, and they can have far reaching impacts beyond just the person who is depressed.
There is no easy fix, and just because you are a person of faith does not mean you cannot suffer from depression.
As believers, we have an amazing resource in our relationship with God and in His Word the Bible.
The Bible offers us comfort, peace, strength and hope through our dark times and we can trust God and His promises.
Here are 39 Scripture verses of hope and encouragement.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily 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.”
Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for Yahweh. He turned to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand. He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Yahweh.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.
Deuteronomy 31:8
Yahweh himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.”
2 Corinthians 10:4-6
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
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.
John 16:33
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
Psalm 9:9
Yahweh will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble.
Philippians 4:6-7
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 30:11
You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
Psalm 3:3
But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
Lamentations 3:22-26
It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. “Yahweh is my portion,” says my soul. “Therefore I will hope in him.” Yahweh is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that a man should hope and quietly wait for the salvation of Yahweh.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Psalm 143:7-8
Hurry to answer me, Yahweh. My spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms.
He thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’
Psalm 40:2
He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand.
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”
Psalm 34:18
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Isaiah 42:3
He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice.
Psalm 42:11
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.
Romans 8:28
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.
Jeremiah 1:19
They will fight against you, but they will not prevail against you; for I am with you”, says Yahweh, “to rescue you.”
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things.
Psalm 42:3-5
My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually ask me, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to God’s house, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day. Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence.
Lamentations 3:31-33
For the Lord will not cast off forever. For though he causes grief, yet he will have compassion according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses. For he does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.
Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
Mark 5:28
For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well.”
Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
God loves you and is with you in your struggles.
If you believe you may be suffering from depression you should speak with your doctor so they can assess your situation and offer you help and support.
DOWNLOAD 39 BIBLE VERSES FOR DEPRESSION
