Breakthrough Bible Verses for Depression and Hopelessness

Depression affects approximately 280 million people worldwide. And if you suffer from depression, you know that it’s not just “being sad” for extended amounts of time. Nope, it’s more like a soul-sucking, heavy feeling of impending doom that can be crippling to your life. Please read on for uplifting and encouraging Bible verses for depression and hopelessness.

And be sure to read these posts for more help: 7 Practical Anxiety Coping Skills for Christians, Promising Bible Verses about Hope in Hard Times, and Helpful Bible Verses for Sadness and Loneliness.

Put on the whole Armor of God for depression

When it comes to depression, it is crucial that we put on the whole armor of God. But what does that mean?

In Ephesians 6, Paul writes (bold emphasis mine):

Paul stresses the importance of putting on the armor to withstand the wiles of the devil. Where is the devil going to start hitting first? Your thinking.

He’s going to look for any cracks he can slip into. And if you’re not spending quality time in the Word, putting on the whole armor of God, you’re setting yourself up to fall into the depression trap.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

This is why it’s important that we are spiritually ready for battle. Depression is absolutely a battle, and one of the hardest to get out of.

I like to think of depression like quicksand— once you step into it, the longer you linger, it’s going to slowly suck you down. Before you know it, you’re so far into your depression that getting out can feel heavy and impossible.

Remember though, nothing is impossible with God. Put on the armor, pray, and read the Bible verses for depression below. Then, memorize and be vigilant. When you feel yourself slipping, you’ll have an entire arsenal of ammo to take down that lion.

Start with prayer

Before we get to the verses, please take a moment to pray.

“Dear Lord, I come to you with a heavy heart. You know my situation, you know my circumstances, and you know the trap I’m in right now. Lord, I just ask that you please loosen the chains around me. Your Word tells me that you are my refuge in times of trouble, that you hear my cry and you will be there for me. Please be my comfort and rescue me from this darkness. Help me to rise and take this burden away. Please help me to see your love for me, Lord. Please forgive me for slipping. I trust you Lord. Thank you for loving me. In Jesus’ Mighty Name I pray, amen.”

Bible verses for Depression

Psalm 34 NIV

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

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV

And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.

Proverbs 24:16 NIV

for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
    but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Psalm 40: 1-2 NKJV

I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.

Lamentations 3 NIV

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

John 14:1-3, 27 NKJV

14 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

John 16:33 NKJV

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, 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 anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Final Thoughts

One thing I know for sure: the Lord is with the weak. He is with the brokenhearted. He hears His children.

Friend, I don’t know what you’re going through right now, but God does. And He’s already gone before you, so whatever struggle you’re facing, know that He has taken care of it ALREADY. We only need to trust, stop worrying, and follow His lead.

Think on these things, and keep your eyes on the Lord. I pray this blesses you.

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