Bible Verses about Depression

Dealing with anxiety, loneliness, and depression may be very difficult for anyone. If left untreated depression may also lead to self harm and a continuous mindset of hopelessness. The Lord does not want us to feel hopeless, anxious or lonely. This is why He loves us unconditionally, sent His son to redeem us, and comforts us through the council provided in His Holy Scriptures.

I hope you will be comforted and encouraged as you go through these Bible verses about depression.

Bible verses about depression and self harm

1. Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:28 KJV

The Lord does not want us to harm ourselves in any way, shape, or form. This scripture passage gives a stern warning that we should desist from bringing physical harm to ourselves.

As children of God we may observe others partaking in certain rituals. We may feel inclined to adopt these practices to honor or pay respect to loved ones who have passed away. We may also start to feel comfortable with certain practices because they are popular and seem like the norm.

Our intention should not be to do what is common or follow the norm but to abide by the instructions of the Lord.

2. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Jeremiah 18:4 KJV

This passage is a great analogy to use if you are feeling depressed. Depression affects how we think and feel. If we are able to change our thoughts and feelings we may be able to transition from a state of sadness to a more pleasant and buoyant mood.

This analogy courtesy of Jeremiah, compares how God transforms us by using the craft of a potter. The potter did not give up but kept going until he was satisfied with the result.

Allowing the Lord through the Holy Spirit to fashion us in His likeness may be one way to deal with depression. Another way is to seek professional help and consistently and intentionally work on protecting our state of mind until the desired outcome is reached.

3. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV

Our bodies are to be treated with the highest regard and the greatest respect. We are vessels of a Holy God. Our bodies are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

Another point that we may learn from this scripture passage is that our bodies are gifts from God and we are only the caretakers. As faithful stewards God expects us to care for our mental, physical, and spiritual health. We are to nourish, protect, and care for ourselves instead of doing anything that will hurt, damage or destroy our 'body temples'.

4. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV

At times we may be physically or emotionally weak. We find we don't have the strength to endure the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that we face. It is in these times that we need to fortify ourselves by allowing the Lord to be our strength.

When we feel as though we can no longer go on, we may meditate on the promise in this scripture passage. We may use the following four statements for self affirmation.

5. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. Psalms 38:9 KJV

David poured out his desires before the Lord because he knew there is no problem that is too hard for God to fix.

Sometimes we become emotionally and mentally bruised because we try to do everything on our own and with our own strength. After a while we become overwhelmed, frustrated, and even depressed.

Another lesson we may learn from this text is to seek assistance. While we depend on the Great Physician and professional help to deal with depression we have to be open. We need to express ourselves openly to work through our emotions. Otherwise we will only be harming ourselves and weakening the prospects of getting better.

It's more helpful when we talk about our burdens and troubles rather than hide what we are going through.

Bible verses about anxiety and depression

6. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

Anxiety has a way of making us feel fearful. We fear: the unknown, the things we can't control, our limitations, and situations we find ourselves in.

God doesn't want us to spend our time worrying or waste time being fearful of things we can't control. I love the way the NIV translates this verse. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

We have to discipline our mind and our thoughts if we are to overcome anxiety. If not it will lead us to a state of depression.

7. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1 KJV

When we are anxious it's best to relinquish our fears and put our trust in God. The promise found in this Bible passage requires us to have faith in the Lord.

If we believe that God is all powerful and there is nothing too hard for Him to do we will spend less time being anxious and more time being patient, steadfast, and relying on Him.

8. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4 KJV

Psalm chapter 34 is an incredible testimony by David. It shows how David sought God when he was fearful and in trouble and how he was delivered from his fears.

God was not hesitant to rescue David from all his fears and He is ready and willing to do the same for you. All you need to do is seek Him, ask for His help, and allow Him to take your fears away.

9. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 KJV

The worries of life may be overwhelming at times and cause us to be anxious. In these instances we need to remember that God loves and cares for us.

That is why this verse reminds us to cast all our cares on Him. Sometimes we only cast some of our cares on the Lord and then we stress ourselves trying to find the time and energy to figure things out.

10. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Matthew 6:25 KJV

The Lord does not want us to be burdened by worrying about trivial matters. Instead He wants us to put our faith in Him and trust that He will provide our needs.

Philippians 4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God"

God provides and cares for the birds and the lillies and He will also provide for you. There is a good reason why the NIV translation of verse 34 states, "...do not worry about tomorrow... each day has enough trouble of its own".

Showing gratitude for each day and the blessings it has and having faith enough to place the needs and worries of tomorrow in God's hand is a great way to deal with anxiety while exercising faith in God's provision.

11. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:6 KJV

The fear of how others will treat you or what they will do to you may lead to anxiety. Being suspicious about losing a job, the fear of losing a loved one, or suffering from a life threatening illness may all lead to anxiety and depression.

In moments like these the lesson in this Bible verse becomes very potent. Affirm yourself as you repeat the text trusting that the Lord is your helper.

12. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV

You can always be sure of one thing. Even when you are unable to discern His presence, the Lord is with you.

When you are feeling: faint-hearted, afraid, and dismayed remind yourself that wherever you go the Omni-present, Omnipotent, and Omniscient God is there. He knows everything, He is all powerful, and no matter how anxious or depressed you are feeling He is right there with you.

Bible verses about depression and loneliness

13. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 KJV

Depression is usually accompanied by feelings of loneliness. Not having anyone to turn to or offer support may further compound depression.

This verse offers solace for periods when you may be feeling alone. It's a reminder not to be worried or afraid but to find hope and reassurance in the strength, support, glory, and companionship that is found in God.

14. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalms 34:18 KJV

The NIV translation of this text puts it this way, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit".

When you are crushed in spirit or heartbroken be reminded that the Lord is close to you. He will not leave you for a single moment and He is only a prayer away. Call upon Him, meditate on His words, sing songs that will cheer you up, and remain positive.

15. And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV

Place God at the helm of your life and allow Him to lead and direct you. The children of Israel spent many years being isolated in the desert but God was always with His people. He was there, leading them with a pillar of cloud by day and comforting them with a flame of fire by night.

Find hope in the thought that the same God who guided the children of Israel will not forsake or fail you. He is gentle and understanding, and will be a guide through your dark moments. "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee". (Deuteronomy 31:6)

16. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39 KJV

God loves you with an everlasting love. His love for you is so profound that He sent His son to die in your place.

There is nothing in the entire universe that can obstruct or alter God's love for you. I like the way the NLT version puts this passage, "...neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love".

There is no need to feel lonely or depressed because when you think you have lost everything and everyone you are sure that you will never lose the love of God.

17. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 KJV

The death of a loved one such as a close friend or family member may lead to loneliness. Sometimes enduring our crucibles on our christian walk feels like a fearful and lonely 'valley experience'.

These are the experiences, when we are feeling low in spirit, cast down with care, and paralyzed by darkness and fear. It is in these times that we have to comfort ourselves with Psalm 23:4. God will be our comfort, He will be our protector, and He will be there with us through our darkest valley experiences.

18. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20 KJV

This scripture passage has a beautiful promise made by Jesus himself. He gave the assurance that He is with you, even unto the end of the world.

In verse 18 of this same chapter Jesus said that, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth". He has the power to free you from loneliness and help you to deal with depression. Claim the power of Jesus in your life today.

19. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Psalms 27:10 KJV

This passage is a reminder that you can always rely on God for His support. In circumstances where you are not able to depend on the help of your friends and family members you can count on God.

The Lord is not just the creator of the universe. He is your father and a dear friend. The love He has for you is far greater than any earthly father can ever give. In addition to that, He is the best companion you could ever have because He is closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 states, "and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother".

Bible verses to overcome depression

20. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

This Bible verse is an excellent promise that may help to deal with depression.

God thinks about us in a positive manner and this is the same way we should think about ourselves. We should look at the future with hope, think positive thoughts, and make plans for our lives with confidence and optimism.

21. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:15 KJV

Peace of mind is an important remedy to combat depression. If we allow the peace of God to saturate our minds and reign in our lives it will dispel thoughts of anxiety and loneliness and prevent depression.

Jesus offers each of us the gift of peace in John 14:27. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid". Embrace this peace and let it reign in your life.

22. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. Psalms 40:1,2 KJV

It was through patience that David was able to receive the blessings of God. David was able to transition from a place of sorrow and misery to a place of strength by exercising endurance.

Dealing with depression requires a positive mindset and patience. You may not feel better immediately but as time progresses you are able to notice the changes in your thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Psalms 30:5 is proof you can depend on God's salvation, grace, and favor. It states, "...in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning". Wait on God and trust that He will hear your cries and move you from a mindset of depression to a place of triumph.

23. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 KJV

This scripture is a reminder that God will comfort you in all your tribulations. God was a constant source of comfort for the apostles and the members of the early church as they endured many tribulations.

You may find encouragement and hope knowing that God is there to provide comfort as you work through depression and the impact it has on your life.

24. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 KJV

Conditioning the mind and realigning thoughts and feelings are great ways to address depression. This text encourages us to think about things that are: honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.

There is much truth in the saying "so a man thinketh so is he". If you think positive thoughts it is more likely that your mood and actions will be positive.

Final thoughts on depression

The Lord does want us to be anxious or do anything to hurt ourselves physically, mentally or spiritually. That is why He states in His word over and over that He is with us and He will never leave us. He doesn't want us to feel depressed but to be hopeful and remain optimistic as we exercise faith and rely on Him.