Psalm 34:17-18 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 40:1-3
It's really common to feel like God is distant or isn't hearing your cries of anguish, but He always hears your cries. In this, and other Scriptures for depression, we're reminded that God is always near to the brokenhearted. No matter how deep the pit of despair you're in, God can lift you out.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
A number of studies have found that devout people have fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as a better ability to cope with stress.
Depression is associated with sin because people experiencing depression are seen to lack some of the spiritual fruits that are regarded as evidence of genuine Christian faith: When dealing with people in the church... some see mental illness as a weakness —a sign you don't have enough faith.
Through prayer, social support from Christian fellowship, taking suffering as a gift and blessing from God in disguise, hope that leads to courage to live and expectation for the coming of a better world, forgiveness that leads to healing of trauma, letting go to overcome loss, and love to overcome learned helplessness ...
In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel for she said “I have asked him of the Lord”. ' In this account we learn of Hannah's great distress because of her infertility and a sufficient number of symptoms are mentioned to make a diagnosis of depression.
It's not always easy changing our minds to think about something else or challenging our thoughts. One of the ways that God shows us that he cares for our mental health is by providing us with the things we need - a great therapist, access to medication, time with Him, a good support system, or all of the above.
Higher rates of depression in those lacking a religious affiliation may be due to the absence of social support from a faith community or lack of commitment to a belief system that makes sense of traumatic events and difficult life stressors.
Fear and a Lack of Faith
Hopelessness is at the root of depression; but so is fear. Fear is an illegitimate frame of mind about the future and demonstrates a lack of faith in God's desire or ability to act according to His promises. To fear is to not trust God. Hopelessness is at the root of depression; but so is fear.
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.” The Good News: Dealing with depression can be scary. But this verse reminds you that with God on your side, there's nothing to fear.
In the New Testament, one of the best examples of depression can be found in the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 1:3-8, Paul writes about being in complete despair and says, “burdened beyond our strength ….”
Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
There's no single cause of depression. It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers. For some people, an upsetting or stressful life event, such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries, can be the cause. Different causes can often combine to trigger depression.
"The righteous call to the LORD, and he listens; he rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope."
Neuroscience and psychology offer many theories; but ultimately, depression is not simply a medical or mental problem; it is often a “being human” problem. While various medical and emotional problems can and do contribute to depression, for many, the illness has significant spiritual components.
Hopelessness is mostly associated with depression. It's one of the formal symptoms of clinical depression. There are many possible causes of depression, and if you live with the condition, hopelessness can be a result.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Sin is very real, but to say that mental illness is a sin, or is solely caused by sin is not biblical.
feel isolated — disinterested in the company of family and friends, or withdrawing from usual daily activities. feel overwhelmed — unable to concentrate or make decisions. be moody — feeling low or depression; feeling burnt out; emotional outbursts of uncontrollable anger, fear, helplessness or crying.
Fifteen hundred years after Noah's great flood, King Solomon was receiving some advice from his father, King David, who said this, ” … for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts” 1 Chronicles 28:9. In other words, “Be aware of what's in your head, son. God sees it.”
But there is nothing new about mental illness. It was certainly present in ancient times and the Bible makes specific reference to several cases. King Saul, the first king of Israel, was repeatedly afflicted by what we would probably term clinical depression today.
Regarding mental health specifically, the Bible contains no one word for mental illness.
Similarly, instead of feeling victorious, Elijah felt hopeless, alone and afraid. He had low self-esteem and wanted to die. He wanted to sleep and had to be encouraged to get up and nourish himself. Elijah, a prophet, Biblical hero, and person of faith, was seriously depressed.