A lot has been going on in the world, especially since the upheaval that occurred in 2020.
• Covid-19
• Riots
• An overall increase in violence
• Natural disasters that seem to be getting more frequent and intense
• Economic challenges that are causing stress
• The war in Ukraine
Such situations among other issues can cause you to feel down and anxious about the future.
Whether what’s going on in the world affects you or you’re dealing with a painful situation, life can give you a number of reasons to feel depressed.
I remember certain times in my life when it was difficult to get out of bed or to concentrate on the tasks at hand.
It’s not unusual to feel depressed at certain times in life. You can navigate those moments by seeking encouragement from the Scriptures.
However, I want to make a distinction between occasionally feeling sad or depressed and the actual chronic illness called depression, in which one seeks professional help and takes medication.
You might go through a time when you need to talk to someone. During my struggle with anxiety, I called a couple of counselors through Focus on the Family. I haven’t needed to since, but I found those moments to be quite helpful.
On this page, I will present a list of encouraging Bible verses as well as outline five steps to replacing feelings of depression with a positive mindset that includes joy, confidence, and optimism.
If you have obtained or are in need of professional help, and if you are under a treatment plan, it’s important to continue to follow guidance from that professional. If you want to wean off a medication, consult with him or her.
The same is the case with chronic anxiety.
We are interconnected beings. When it comes to anxiety and depression, I have experienced physical, physiological emotional, mental, as well as spiritual effects.
Each situation is unique to the person, though cases often involve multiple similarities.
How do you not only manage but also overcome feelings of depression? I will share some steps, but first, the following are verses that have helped me:
Nehemiah 8:10: … the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Psalm 30:5: …weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 43:5: 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 55:22: Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee…
Matthew 11:28-30: Jesus says, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
The following are the same verses that helped me when I was dealing with anxiety. You can also apply both passages to depression:
Philippians 4:4-7: 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.
1 Peter 5:7: Casting all your care (another translation-anxiety) upon him; for he careth for you.
With these verses in mind, and from my own personal experience, I want to share these points on how to gain victory over depression. Once again, I’m referring to occasional feelings of depression. Though you can certainly apply encouragement from the Bible to chronic anxiety, still work with your doctor, counselor, psychiatrist, etc.
Steps to Overcome Feelings of Depression
Step # 1: Go to/call out to Jesus for help.
This is basically an initial and, in many cases, a simple prayer for help.
Step # 2: Turn your situation over to Jesus.
I have used visuals before. I would pick something up that represents my heavy burden and lift my arms/hands up to the Lord with the object. In an attitude of prayer, I would tell Him I am casting the burden on Him.
Step # 3: Begin to say words that plant seeds of joy in your heart.
Can you think of a list of things you’re grateful for? Do you need to speak affirmations about who you are to God?
Step # 4: Take small steps (when ready bigger steps) to enjoy activities and your surroundings.
Such steps might literally involve taking a walk and observing nature. You might find something you love to do. For me, it’s writing and reading.
Step # 5: Seek others for support and prayer.
Find some people to confide in and have them pray.
I hope this helps shed some light on how you can maintain a sense of joy even when things aren’t going right.
Feel free to check out one of these other pages as well:
Bible Verses About Anxiety (encouragementscriptures.com)
Dealing With Grief and Loss (encouragementscriptures.com)
The Movie--Break Every Chain
The movie, “Break Every Chain” presents one police officer’s journey of faith, which included struggles with depression---based on a true story...