6 Bible Verses for Overcoming Depression

Depression is a complex illness that affects every aspect of a person. It cannot simply be described as a medical problem or an emotional one. Rather, it strikes at the very heart of what it means to be human.

Depression was referred to as “melancholia” as far back as the time when Hippocrates the Greek physician was living in 400 B.C. In the Bible, many key characters such as David, Jonah, and Ezekiel describe themselves in a depressed state, using expressions like “groaning in the anguish of heart” (David in Psalm 38) and “Take my life, for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah).

While every person is unique and there are varied contributing factors towards an individual’s experience of the condition, for a Christian, there is great comfort in God’s Word for overcoming depression.

6 Bible Verses for When You Feel Depressed

Combined with medical expertise and the input of a trained Christian counselor, meditating on Scripture for overcoming depression is immensely powerful. It empowers us to wage war against pessimistic thoughts that are so common during seasons of depression.

Here are six Bible verses that are rich in truth. They can be unpacked to interrupt a depressive cycle.

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. – Matthew 11:28-30, NIV

This really is the starting point for overcoming depression. You can reflect on the fact that God is reaching out to you, seeing you in your low state, and offering a very real and practical solution: he will give your soul the rest it needs. When we are depressed, that is exactly what we are looking for – a lifeline. Jesus promises us this very thing in the Bible.

Too often though, we are bound up in our own turmoil to realize the emotional load that we are carrying. Then, when we realize it, we can be too proud to let go of our troubles. Alternately, we may just not know how to go about actually handing our burden over to the Lord. Fortunately, God knows us in our weakness, and by offering a simple prayer to ask him to take our depression from us, we can begin a journey toward recovery. 

The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? – Psalm 118:6, NIV

When we are depressed, we are often crippled with fear. This fear may manifest in various ways. Depression gives rise to a number of symptoms ranging from fatigue, recurrent feelings of worthlessness and guilt, insomnia, lack of concentration, diminished interest or pleasure, and many other physical and emotional problems.

Acknowledging that God is with us in our fear can be immensely reassuring. In order for this truth to really be of aid in overcoming depression, however, we need to be intimately acquainted with God’s character. When we believe in God’s character, we are like children who know that they can trust their loving father to protect them when they are scared. We too can be convinced that he is able to shield us from what we are facing.

The second half of this verse reminds us of our humanity. The people that we very often fear in our depression really cannot do much to us when we are safe in the arms of the almighty God.

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. – Romans 8:38-39, NIV

In this verse, the apostle Paul attests to the fact that there is absolutely nothing that can cut us off from God’s love, once we have been restored to him through faith in Christ. Very often, when we are overcoming depression, we can feel as though we have been separated from God.

We don’t always feel his presence, and our despair seems to highlight our sense of isolation. Reflecting on Scriptures such as this one from Romans can provide great comfort – not even depression can separate us from his love.

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. – Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

While anxiety and depression are different maladies, they are often interlinked. A person overcoming depression may face anxiety symptoms as well. These symptoms include having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom; not being able to concentrate; breathing rapidly or trembling.

This well-known passage from Philippians gives a very practical solution from Scripture: bring your requests to God. It can almost seem too simple, but the human heart often holds back on wanting to come to God. Prayer can often be a last resort as we grapple with our mental state. But God wants us to come to him with all our requests, no matter how small or insignificant they seem.

This passage also provides another important element: thanksgiving. Depression is often linked to discontentment – a disappointment in life’s circumstances that, when left unchecked, leads to despair and the destructive state of depression. When we change our hearts to reflect more gratitude, we will immediately start to experience more of the peace promised to us. This peace is not linked to how well or how badly things are going but is incredibly bound by God’s love for us.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:17-18, NIV

In this Psalm, David was speaking from his experience and affirming that God hears the prayers of his people. When you feel crushed, and the thought of overcoming depression seems like an impossibility, meditate on the truth that God hears us when we cry out to him and can save us.

Our God is also full of compassion and mercy. He is not there waiting to condemn us for our state but stands with open arms ready to envelop us with his grace.

…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. – Isaiah 40:31, NIV

This picture of soaring like an eagle and extreme physical strength can be incredibly encouraging when overcoming depression. This state may seem distant or unattainable, but the hope is there for all who believe – their strength will be renewed. Depression can make us feel like there is no way out or no way through, but this verse from Isaiah shines a light on what lies ahead. In doing so, we can be strengthened to take the next step toward recovery.

Christian Counseling for Overcoming Depression

It can be very difficult to break free from the clutches of depression, especially if you have hit rock bottom. Reflecting on Scripture alone can provide the breakthrough that is needed. But if you are looking for customized help, a trained Christian counselor can be extremely helpful.

Your counselor might be able to gently help reveal any lies of the devil that you may be believing, which you may have not been able to recognize due to a blind spot. They will also demonstrate practical ways to replace the lie with the truth, in order to be redirected toward a better place. A Christian counselor will walk alongside you as you do the mental and spiritual work of overcoming depression.