40 Bible Verses About Depression and to Overcome Anxiety KJV
If you are struggling with depression or anxiety right now, God sees you. He sees you right where you are and He loves you. Scripture reminds us of God’s perfect love with these powerful Bible verses about depression and anxiety. Nothing, even depression, is too great for God to handle!
May these Scriptures about depression fill you with encouragement and hope, knowing that the compassion of our Lord rests on you.
When I went through a time of depression, I didn’t quite grasp the compassion that Jesus had for me. I knew He loved me, but I felt alone and discouraged.
It wasn’t until years later that I began to grasp this the depth of His love and compassion. Oh, how I wish I could go back and tell my younger self the truth I’ve discovered in Scripture!
So today, let’s allow the truth of these Bible verses about depression to renew and restore us in seasons of overwhelming need.
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Examples of depression in the Bible
As we read Scripture, we find that we are not alone in suffering from depression. Countless people throughout the Bible have experienced depression. Over and over, people of Scripture have walked through their own miry bog, felt stuck in a pit of destruction, and felt hopeless and afraid.
David
David faces depression countless times as he battles through painful circumstances his whole life. We can look to Psalm 51:12 where he asks the Lord to restore his joy or to Psalm 32 where He “groans inwardly”. I love the Psalms in times of depression because so much of it comes from a weary and hurting heart and yet draws us to the love and joy of the Lord in the midst of those moments.
Psalm 51:12
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Elijah
We also see Elijah grow depressed as he grows weary. In 1 Kings 19, he is running for his life and he prays that he might die. “I’ve had enough,” he prays to the Lord. How many times might we pray this to God, that we’ve had enough of whatever circumstance we are facing?
Yet the hope of the Lord is there, piercing through the darkness of depression and anxiety.
Job
We can most definitely draw strength from the entire book of Job. Job lost everything and was in a deep depression. And yet the book ends with a humbling and yet powerful reminder of who God is to us during these times.
As you search through the Word of God, you will not only see the highs of God’s power and joy but you will see the lows that people have walked through. In seeing these, we can draw strength from the ways in which our God of hope ministered to their hearts in the midst of their pain, just as He does for us.
5 Promises of God to Cling to in Depression
God’s power and strength can overcome the darkness of depression.
As a child of God, you don’t have to be strong on your own. God’s strength will carry you through the tough moments and supply you with the strength you need to press on.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
God is always with you, even in your darkest moments.
Even when you feel alone, the Lord is always with you. He never leaves you or abandons you. When depression whispers lies, cling to this Scripture promise as a way to remember His faithfulness.
Isaiah 43:2
When thou passesth through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
God loves you wholly and completely.
On the days where you question the relationships around you and wonder if anyone truly cares, remember this verse. Jesus’ death and resurrection was God’s ultimate act of love to you!
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The Lord hears your cry for help and delivers you.
Do you ever wonder if God really hears you? When the darkness feels too much to bear, cling to the promise that the Lord hears you and wants you to bring your burdens before Him. Cry out to Him and trust that He is working on your behalf.
Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
God will give you joy and the pain won’t last forever.
When you’re wrestling with depression, it feels like the struggle will last forever. Yet God will restore your joy in Him and in Him alone will your soul find rest.
Psalm 30:5
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
4 ways to use Bible verses about depression to cling to God’s hope
Write the Bible verses and your favorite Scriptures in a truth journal
There is power in writing Scripture. As you write the Bible, allow the verses to soak into your heart and mind. Meditate on these Bible verses about depression during the day to fuel your mind with truth and as a way to stay rooted in God’s hope.
Personally, I love keeping a prayer journal where I can write Scripture and meditate on them. If I am up for it, I love to dig deeper into the verse through verse mapping, taking Bible study notes, or doing an Inductive Bible study.
But sometimes just writing the Scripture and reflecting on it is all I can do in trying times.
To start, grab a prayer journal, and simply write one verse each day. Allow the truth and hope of God’s word to saturate your heart and mind when you are struggling to find hope.
Use Christian journal prompts for hope to help you remember where your true hope lies
A quick Google search for Christian journal prompts will lead you to so many powerful reflections that you can journal through when struggling.
As we journal, our mind reaches for different areas than our quick, immediate thoughts. We can literally rewire our brain through journaling.
Journaling through truth is a powerful way to find hope and allow your mind to cling to it in times of depression and anxiety. It’s also a way to relax and unwind when the weight of depression feels overwhelming.
Make your daily quiet time an anchor in your day.
Read these Bible verses about depression every day as a practical way to renew your mind with truth and point your weary heart to truth.
While there is a huge difference for me when I do not start my day in the Word and in prayer. give yourself grace if it doesn’t happen every day.
Yet when you take time for devotional time before starting your day, your mind will be filled with God’s goodness before the day begins.
You’ll experience a perspective shift, your eyes will be opened to the God-moments in your life, and you’ll begin to cultivate a heart of praise.
The renewal of our minds starts with choosing to be still before the Lord and soaking in Scripture and prayer as the day unfolds.
It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate, either!
Spending time with God can be as simple as:
- Writing down a Bible verse and journaling it
- Praying Scripture (these calming Bible verses for stress are a great addition to the Bible verses on depression)
- Speaking prayers out loud to God
- Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down 5 things you’re grateful for each morning.
- Listening to soothing worship music
- Write prayers to God, where you pour out your troubles and feelings to Him
Something as a simple quiet time routine can change the whole trajectory of your day. If you are unable to do it in the morning, I would still encourage you to find time during your day.
Choosing the same time each day is really helpful in keeping consistent.
If you need somewhere to start, take this list of Bible verses about depression below and write one each day. Then, reflect on what it means, and then pray that God would show you His hope in the midst of your struggle. (Are you ready to start studying the Bible on your own? This ultimate Bible study guide can help!)
Try these creative journal ideas as a way to keep these verses of hope at the center of your mind and life.
- Art and Bible Journaling – for all you scrapbooking-lovers, you can cut out images or words and create collages that really help you to express how you are feeling and what God is teaching you through each Bible verse.
- Video Journaling – choose a verse each day and reflect on what it means to you in that moment. I sometimes find it hard to write and yet talking can come so easily, so get your phone our laptop out and keep a video journal as you seek to find hope in God’s Word.
- Mind-Map Journaling – this is where you literally draw a map of connecting ideas. You can start with a main idea or even the Scripture in the middle, circle it and then draw lines outward and write down connecting ideas or thoughts. As we visually represent what is inside our mind, we can find clarity and even healing.
- Hand-lettering or doodling – you can use this as a cute way to visually represent the Scriptures. If you have any artistic ability(or even if you don’t!), I’d encourage you to give it a try. You can look up examples as inspiration and write the verses is a beautiful way, allowing the Holy Spirit to work their truth into your heart as you do.
Powerful Bible Verses About Depression and Anxiety
Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 23:4
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.
Psalm 9:9
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 40:3
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 1:3
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.
Deuteronomy 6:5
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Luke 1:53
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
Isaiah 42:9
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Genesis 35:3
And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
Matthew 6:27-29
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Romans 5:5
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Isaiah 41:10
…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Jeremiah 29:11
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.
Deuteronomy 31:6
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.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Mark 6:50
For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Psalm 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
Proverbs 12:25 (New King James Version)
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.
Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
Psalm 40:1-3
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. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
Thriving with depression as a Christian woman
Regardless of the type of depression you’re battling, remember the Lord knows your deepest hurt and the cries of your heart.
He is your shelter from the storms and the light of hope on the darkest nights.
You may wish to consider:
- Counseling from a Christian therapist, who points you to the hope of Jesus in your daily struggles.
- Seeking community and openly sharing your battles with believers who can encourage you with truth.
- Memorizing key Bible verses about depression so the Word of God is always with you and you can speak truth over yourself.
- Keeping a truth journal, which refutes the lies of the enemies with God’s Word.
Use this free Bible reading plan to help read, write, pray, and apply God’s Word to your life.
Remember, the Lord has already defeated the darkness! When you’re surrounded by sorrow, remember the victory of Christ, and how He’s already won the war that wages within you! He journeys with you, today and always.
