God Will Never Fail Nor Abandon You
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you he will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:8
When youre experiencing deep depression, it can feel incredibly lonely. Our perceptions are often distorted by depression, so simple things like friends not calling can feel like abandonment. Its easy to fall into the trap of feeling like youre completely alone and abandoned when you really need people. Theres usually logical reasons for friends not calling, but the depressed mind tends to dismiss those, unfortunately.
Just as you can feel abandoned by friends and family, its common to feel that God has abandoned you, too. When you feel that way, its really helpful to focus on this Bible verse for depression. Write it on a post-it note and display it somewhere you will see it frequently during the day like the bathroom mirror.
God promises never to fail nor abandon us and God cannot break a promise. No matter how we feel, God doesnt let us down like people often do and He is always with us. Combat your feelings of abandonment with the firm reminder that God is not going to leave you alone in your depression. Hes right there with you.
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 : 38
Paul is resolute in his decision to hold strongly to God regardless of anything that may confront him. The apostle Paul faced many situations of pain and turmoil in his life including imprisonment and was also shipwrecked. As a result of these experiences, he couldve sunk into depression, yet he places his full confidence in God, knowing that nothing that he experienced would cause him to be separated from God.
In times of depression and anxiety, it is always important to stay under the protection and guidance of God.
Bible Verses For Depression: Turning To The Word Of God For Hope
Are you one of the 300 million people worldwide who experience depression? Those pervasive feelings of sadness and hopelessness that come with depression are, unfortunately, very common, and symptoms can have a huge impact on your daily life. Depression affects you physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and relationally and when youre in the midst of a depressive episode it can be hard to find even a shred of hope.
Everyone experiences depression differently and there are a variety of different treatment options. The effectiveness of medications for depression varies from person to person, too, so medical interventions dont work for everyone. The Bible, however, is an unchanging, dependable source of hope if youre experiencing depression.
There are many Bible verses for depression, and it can be helpful to realize that there are stories of some famous heroes experiencing depression in the Bible:
A common question is what does the Bible say about depression? Seeking Gods perspective about depression can help to alleviate intense feelings of sadness and despair. In this article, were going to explore 5 Bible verses for depression that can give you hope when your world seems bleak.
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Even More Comforting Bible Verses About Depression
Psalm 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Psalm 3:3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings like eagles they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart I have overcome the world.
Even Though I Walk Through The Darkest Valley I Will Fear No Evil For You Are With Me Your Rod And Your Staff They Comfort Me Psalm 2: 4
The valley experience may be filled with many doubts, fears, afflictions or even the threat of death but here David reminds us of his trust in God who has the ability to calm the mind and grant him peace and comfort. Life here on earth may be daunting at times as a result of the many vicissitudes of life, but we can always trust in the Shepherds leading.
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Your Friends And Family Can Help You
When I was at one of my really low points of depression, I remember a friend telling me that she and another friend were going to come over and clean my apartment. I was hesitant but reluctantly agreed. She knew that I should not be isolating myself and that the chaos around me was not helping my mental health.
Even after they left, the clean, organized space was a reminder that there were people who loved me and cared for me. When my depression tried to tell me I was alone and unloved, there was a physical reminder that that was not true.
If friends send you cards or pictures, hang them in places you can see them so they can be physical reminders of the people who love you.
People often feel at a loss to know how they can support loved ones with depression. One thing anyone can do is pray. Ask friends and family members to pray for God to give you hope and wisdom as you seek treatment and healing. While prayer alone usually is not enough to end someones depression, prayer is still powerful and important. God hears and cares.
Can You Overcome Anxiety Without Medication
Takeaway. Anxiety is a beast, but it is possible to win the battle without medication. Sometimes, overcoming worry and nervousness is simply a matter of modifying your behavior, thoughts, and lifestyle. You can start with a drug-free approach, and then speak with a doctor if your symptoms dont improve or worsen.
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Misconception: Its Shameful To Discuss Mental Illness Openly
Reality: Church community should be a safe environment for people to discuss mental health without judgment.
Sadly, some Christians can be very judgmental about mental illness, but that is not a biblical response. Mental illness is not something you should be made to feel ashamed of or fear sharing with your church community.
Depression and mental illness should receive as kind and gentle a response from Christians, as they do from Jesus.
Jesus made it clear He was not pleased with people who put on a show of being very religious and moral and who judged others.
A group of religious leaders called the Pharisees were the epitome of religious people who act like they have it all together and judge others who do not. Jesus often called the Pharisees out for their hypocrisy. In contrast, Jesus was gentle and kind with people who were struggling and even sinning but who were open to God changing their lives.
The Christian community should never be a place where people feel they need to hide and cover up what they are really going through. In a genuine Christian community, people can share all of their struggles and ask for prayer without fear of shame or judgment. They can testify about how God is working through whatever is happening in their lives.
Depression and mental illness should receive as kind and gentle a response from Christians, as they do from Jesus.
Finding Hope With Christian Counseling
Theres no shame in needing help to recover from episodes of depression. While there are many Bible verses for depression and plenty of examples of people experiencing depression in the Bible, the hope offered by the Bible only goes part way towards helping you to recover.
Getting in touch with a Christian counselor is the logical next step when youre struggling with depression. Christian counseling gives you the opportunity to talk about your feelings and explore the reasons for your depression.
A Christian counselor brings a biblical perspective to counseling and can teach you skills for managing your depression. You can also delve deeper into what the Bible says about depression during Christian counseling sessions.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact one of our counselors for further information.
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Anxiety Weighs Down The Heart But A Kind Word Cheers It Up Proverbs 1: 25
There is nothing more comforting than to hear comforting words in time of sadness and despair. Kind words are like medicine and those who seek to encourage others in their period of anxiety and depression are fulfilling Gods divine mandate in touching the lives of others in a positive way so that they can be restored to their former state of peace and happiness.
Facing Depression As A Christian: Beware These Misconceptions
Not only can depression make you question God or feel distant from Him, but it can also make navigating Christian community more difficult. Depression can be even more challenging for Christians because, unfortunately, there are misconceptions and stigmas associated with depression in many Christian communities.
When you or the people around you do not understand the reality of depression, it makes seeking help more difficult. Depression can already distort your perception of reality or make you doubt your judgment. Its crucial to be able to recognize what is and is not true about depression.
Many well-meaning people may actually give you bad advice because they dont understand depression.
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Try One Step At A Time
Granted, it seems impossible. How can someone live without feelings? Without them you have no drive, no motivation. Could you imagine walking without any feeling in your legs? It would be impossible.
Or would it? Perhaps you could walk if you practiced in front of a large mirror and watched your legs moving. One step, wobble, another step. It would all be very mechanical, but it could be done.
People have learned to walk in the midst of depression. It doesnt seem natural, though other people wont notice either the awkwardness or the heroism involved. The trek begins with one step, then another. Remember, you are not alone. Many people have taken this journey ahead of you.
As you walk, you will find that it is necessary to remember to use every resource you have ever learned about persevering through hardship. It will involve lots of moment by moment choices: 1) take one minute at a time, 2) read one short Bible passage, 3) try to care about someone else, 4) ask someone how they are doing, and so on.
You will need to do this with your relationships, too. When you have no feelings, how to love must be redefined. Love, for you, must become an active commitment to patience and kindness.
What Is An Uplifting Bible Verse
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. Jesus is our hope. When we hope and have faith in Him, He renews our strength.
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How Do You Comfort Someone Who Is Grieving
If you cant think of something to say, just offer eye contact, a squeeze of the hand, or a reassuring hug. Offer your support. Ask what you can do for the grieving person. Offer to help with a specific task, such as helping with funeral arrangements, or just be there to hang out with or as a shoulder to cry on.
Bible Verses For When You’re Depressed
Psalm 34:17-18 – When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart I have overcome the world.
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.
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Reinforce The Grace Of Belonging To Inspire Change Vs Spiritual Fighting To Get More Blessings
For someone struggling with depression, anxiety, and other challenges, this mindset of fighting to get Gods blessings for personal breakthrough or to keep the enemy at bay leans more toward, “behavior rewards belonging ,” as opposed to a healthier view of “belonging inspires behavior.”
When we face challenges like depression, anxiety, or any mental or emotional challenges we will naturally start to question ourselves, God, others and introspectively look for whats wrong .
However, our identity in/with Christ is not a behavior issue, its always on the basis of our relationship with and in Jesus our constant belonging and connectedness to Jesus no matter our condition, period!
Gods unconditional love gives us an unconditional identity in Him no matter the condition, period!
Think about it this we always act accordingly to the people we are connected to. My wife and I deeply love our children and when they have made mistakes and go through painful hurts in life, we actually draw closer and even run after them and we cant stop thinking about them. In fact, I have a specific and special ring and text tone just for my family – Im always available to respond ! When they suffer, we help them figure and sort things out so they learn and are empowered. We dont pull away, make them cry out to us for help, or make them work for our attention to bless them because they are always unconditionally loved and bear an unconditional identity of always being our children!
We Have Joy In Salvation
We live in a fallen world, one in which good things may come to an end. The tragic dimension of life will be present until the kingdom of God comes fully in Jesus’ return.
The joy of salvation comes from realizing, again and again, that our sins have been forgiven and that we will live forever with the eternally happy God, who desires that we share in His joy. We should never “get over” the gospel.
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Bible Verses For Depression
Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:7-8
In this psalm, David feels lost and helpless and on the edge of death. He feels a sense of desperation that only God can help him to overcome. Rather than wallowing in his misery, however, he cries out to God, looking to Him for guidance, trusting that He will help.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18
When you feel overwhelmed by your circumstances, as if you are being crushed beneath the load of the troubles you are experiencing and you dont know where to turn, David teaches us that God hears the prayers of His people.
Not only do we have the promise that God will hear us when we cry to Him for help, we read that God comes alongside those who are downcast and depressed and saves them. He does this by giving them Himself. His grace is the answer to our pain.
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. Psalm 42:11
Are you down and depressed? Remember that God loves you and that even the most extreme aspects of creation cannot come between God and His people.
Then Jesus Said To His Disciples: Therefore I Tell You Do Not Worry About Your Life What You Will Eat Or About Your Body What You Will Wearfor Life Is More Than Food And The Body More Than Clothes Consider The Ravens: They Do Not Sow Or Reap They Have No Storeroom Or Barn Yet God Feeds Them And How Much More Valuable You Are Than Birds Luke 1: 22
As Jesus spoke to His disciples who were apprehensive about their future, He paused to remind them of His providential care of the things of nature. The birds are fed each day without the exertion of great effort plants thrive under the mighty hands of Gods amazing providence.
As human created in the image of God, you are more important to God than the birds and plants. You are blessed to be on this earth and if God has given you this precious gift of life, then He has the ability to sustain you.
Fear, panic, depression and anxiety do not have to control you. God wants to set you free and place you on a path of wholeness, peace and tranquility.
Theres nothing too hard for the Lord to do and that includes the restoration of your peace and well-being. Spend time in Gods words and allow Him to impress upon your heart, words of assurance and affirmation, talk to Him in prayer and meditate on Him.
God wants you to live a fulfilling life, allow Him to grant you His healing and deliverance.
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