If you’ve ever wondered how to overcome depression using the bible, look no further! I’ve compiled the most comprehensive list of bible verses from the scriptures to help with depression.
The text beneath each bible verse is not a translation of the verse but simply additional encouraging thoughts to help you on your path up and out of depression. Enjoy! 😉
BIBLE VERSE #1
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
If you have full trust in God, then what is there to fear? If we find ourselves fearful or vacillating then we can be sure our mind is focused on ourselves, the material world or our own limited resources and not focussed upon the entirety of God’s unlimited power and resources. Your true spirit is one of abundance, fearlessness, courage, power, mental clarity and love!
BIBLE VERSE #2
Psalm 23: (KJV)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
God is your friend. He’s there to guide you through the darkest of times. At times, His ways may be confusing to comprehend but God wants you to trust Him, follow and rely on Him just like a shepherd. And, just as a shepherd tends to his flock, God will surely provide you with what you need, when you need it. Do you trust God enough to not lead you astray? Do you trust him enough to lead you through the valley of darkness? Do you accept God as your trusted friend?
This verse also reminds us to be grateful for all those difficult people or challenging personalities we meet in life, as they are our greatest teachers. They are vehicles through which, we can refine ourselves. Just like fire ‘tempers’ steel or pressure ‘transforms’ coal into diamonds. God works ‘through’ them to help you improve.
BIBLE VERSE #3
Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV)
“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.”
Take courage. God is right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry. Be strong. For you are loved, protected and provided for.
BIBLE VERSE #4
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.”
Trust God with all your heart. Stop trying to figure everything out on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do and everywhere you go. Don’t assume that you know everything, as there will always be parts of the ‘big picture’ that you cannot see. Never resent God’s discipline or sulk under his loving correction. For it is, the child a father loves the most which is corrected.
BIBLE VERSE #5
Revelation 21:4
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Life brings tribulation and trouble as well as, blessings and comfort. There are times of hardship and times of abundance. There are times of loss and times of gain. Everything in life is transient, temporary and impermanent. But God shall carry you through each and every passage of time.
BIBLE VERSE #6
Romans 8:30-31
“Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Nothing in this Universe is created ‘by accident’. Everything has been created by God. Which means, without ‘you’ this world would be missing something very, very unique and special. So, think about it… When you have God by your side and ‘batting for you’, how can you lose?
BIBLE VERSE #7
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
If God ‘has your back’, what is there to fear?
BIBLE VERSE #8
Isaiah 41:10
“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.”
Relax. There’s no need to fear, panic or feel anxious, for God is with you and He will give you strength whenever you need. He will hold you steady, when you feel unsteady.
BIBLE VERSE #9
James 5:11
“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”
What a gift, life is for those who stay the course! Just like Job, when we have steady persistence in a course of action or purpose, especially in the face of adversities, obstacles, or discouragement we will eventually triumph.
BIBLE VERSE #10
Psalm 9:9-10
“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”
God will not forsake you. Surrender your troubles to God and let go of all expectations. Trust in His will and all will be well.
BIBLE VERSE #11
Joshua 1:9
“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.”
Ponder and meditate on the scriptures, practice everything written within them. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Have strength! Have courage! Don’t be timid! Don’t get discouraged! God, your God, is with you every step of the way.
BIBLE VERSE #12
Proverbs 12:25
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Speak kindly to yourself and others! Allow your thoughts about yourself to be good, light and encouraging. Do not be the reason for causing yourself to stoop in this world!
BIBLE VERSE #13
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.”
If life feels as though it’s not going your way or nothings going right, just imagine God saying to you right this very minute: “I know what I’m doing. I’ve got it all planned out. I know my ways may seem confusing to you right now but trust me, my plans are to take care of you, not abandon you. My plans are there to provide you with the future you’d hoped for. Everything I do is for your greater good!”
God is your well-wisher! Trust in him and trust that all will be well.
BIBLE VERSE #14
Psalm 3:3
“But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”
God is your shield, so act like it! Stand up straight, lift your head high and smile, knowing God has your back (and your front, and has you covered from all sides 😉 ).
BIBLE VERSE #15
2 Corinthians 1:4-6
“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. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”
What you learn from your suffering or trials in life, can help comfort another. Have you ever noticed how God has a way of connecting you with someone else who is struggling just as you are? And, have you noticed that when you give comfort to others, you also feel comforted? This is because God uses us to comfort others, and works through others to comfort us.
BIBLE VERSE #16
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
There is no test, trial or temptation that comes your way which is beyond your ability to deal with. God will test you but will never crush you. You will never be pushed past your limit or current capabilities. So, if you ever feel like you’re being ‘crushed’ or ‘buried’ by life, remember, God is not against you, God is not punishing you and God is not out to get you. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. God is simply giving you all the circumstances you need as an individual to grow, learn and mature. God is doing His best to reveal your best. God is trying to uncover your true essence and inner strength that you have deep inside.
BIBLE VERSE #17
Ecclesiastes 9:4
“For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.”
As long as there is breath in your lungs, you have opportunities to seize. You are alive, so LIVE! Seize the day!
BIBLE VERSE #18
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
It’s easy to have faith for things seen but what about things unseen? Do you have the patience, trust and faith to wait for God’s timing?
BIBLE VERSE #19
Isaiah 26:3-4
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:”
Those who have their mind focussed on and trust in God, will experience peace of mind. When we trust in God’s will and keep doing our best, we’ll succeed in life and have an everlasting strength we can always call upon.
BIBLE VERSE #20
Isaiah 40:31
“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.”
God is the Creator of all you can see or imagine. All who wait, look for and place their hope in Him will be able to keep going and not fail. For God’s strength, is their strength.
BIBLE VERSE #21
Jeremiah 1:19
“And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.”
When God is beside you every step of the way, how can you ever be broken down or crushed by others? Have faith, trust, stand tall and look life directly in the eye, for God is with you!
BIBLE VERSE #22
1 John 2:16
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
Be careful not to drown yourself in the material world. Remember, your strength is found via your internal connection with God, it is not found in worldly pleasures or material goods.
BIBLE VERSE #23
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.”
Others may leave you in life but God will never abandon you. Even if he seems silent right now, move into that silence and experience the peace he has left within you. Don’t allow your heart to be restless. Instead, fill your heart entirely with the knowing that God is there for you always!
BIBLE VERSE #24
John 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
It’s 100% guaranteed that you will experience troubles, difficulties and great adversity in your life but breathe deeply and know that with God by your side there is nothing you cannot get through! He is the light in the darkness. Look to Him.
BIBLE VERSE #25
Lamentations 3:22-26
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”
God is always merciful and ever-loving to the one who patiently waits and seeks Him. Quietly hope for help from God and it will arrive.
BIBLE VERSE #26
Lamentations 3:31-33
“For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.”
God is the Creator of everything you see (and don’t see). There is absolutely nothing which happens where your greatest good is not taken into consideration. Everything is done out of compassion.
BIBLE VERSE #27
Matthew 6:33-34
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
Place your entire focus and attention on today. Don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come your way.
BIBLE VERSE #28
Matthew 11:28-30
“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.”
Are you tired? Worn out? Then, surrender your burdens to God, rest in the lap of God, walk with God and be replenished. Spending time with God allows you to live more freely and lighter.
BIBLE VERSE #29
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
When life gets really difficult or troubles arise, don’t foolishly jump to the conclusion that God isn’t there for you. Have you ever thought you are simply going through a spiritual refining process? One that transforms you from a dull piece of coal to a bright, sparkling diamond? So, don’t be sad, instead rejoice as glory is just around the corner. Remember, God tests His best! 😉
BIBLE VERSE #30
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.”
Don’t fret or worry about anything. Instead of worrying, pray. Let God know your concerns and share your gratefulness for what you already have. And, before long, you will see that life begins to unfold in a way which is good for all involved. Give your worries and concerns over to God today, release them from your heart and mind.
BIBLE VERSE #31
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
There’s nothing you cannot face in this world with God by your side.
BIBLE VERSE #32
Proverbs 15:13
“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”
What is burdening your heart, my friend? What do you need to release in order to lighten your heavy heart?
BIBLE VERSE #33
Psalm 31:1-4
“In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
When we have complete trust in the Lord and walk the path of righteousness, we see that God is our rock, our strength, our fortress in times of strife and trouble. When we patiently wait and trust, we will always be pulled out of the darkness.
BIBLE VERSE #34
Psalm 31:24
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”
Courage comes from an open heart, so fill your heart with the light of God and you will have all the courage, strength and grace you need to walk forward in this world.
BIBLE VERSE #35
Psalm 34:17-19
“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”
God is listening to your cries for help and is right there with you. If you’re down or you’ve been kicked in the gut, he will help you to catch your breath. But, what if He doesn’t appear to be helping you as fast as you would like? Breathe, relax, let go of control, let go of your ego and trust. Trust in God’s will and know that everything will work out in the end. Remember, life works on divine timing not ours! 😉
BIBLE VERSE #36
Psalm 37:3-4
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
Trust in God, hold good intentions in your heart and you will always be provided for and experience genuine happiness.
BIBLE VERSE #37
Psalm 37:23-24
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.”
God guides us in the way we should go and when we fall (and, we will from time to time), God provides a hand to help us up. And, when we cannot see that helping hand, we must have faith and know in our heart that it’s on the way!
BIBLE VERSE #38
Psalm 43:5
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”
If you ever feel down in the dumps, crushed by life or you’ve just had enough and feel like you cannot go on, fix your eyes on God. Put your hope in God. Fill your heart with God and soon you will see a smile reach your lips! 🙂
BIBLE VERSE #39
Psalm 94:18-19
“When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”
Whenever our foot slips along our path in life (and it will), know that it is our faith which holds us steady. Wherever our troubles or anxieties increase, know that comfort is found when our heart rests in God.
BIBLE VERSE #40
Psalm 145:14
“The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.”
God supports all those who fall down and raises all those who are on their knees and ready to quit. So, if you ever find yourself on your knees, don’t quit! Pray! Pray for guidance and know that you will receive it.
BIBLE VERSE #41
Romans 8:27-28
“And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
If you are ever lost and unsure of what do do, simply look within and search your heart for the answer. God knows us far better than we know ourselves but if we follow our heart, trust in God’s love and let go of all expectations, we will see that God works all things out for the best. And, as we step forward with love and trust, our purpose or path will unfold naturally before us.
BIBLE VERSE #42
Romans 8:35
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
There is nothing in this world that can separate you from God’s love, for it is stronger than all the pains of this world.
BIBLE VERSE #43
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.”
Don’t ever feel like you must ‘fit in’ or conform to the world around you, without first thinking about whether it is right to do so. Always look within and fix your attention on God and not only will you keep yourself steady but you’ll also be transformed from the inside, out. In other words, move in alignment with God’s will and don’t be pushed around by the chaotic world around you.
BIBLE VERSE #44
Romans 12:12
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”
Never lose hope, be patient in times of trouble, devote yourselves to prayer and you will find guidance.
BIBLE VERSE #45
2 Samuel 22:29-40
“For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them. And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me.”
If you’re struggling in depression know that God is a shield to all those who believe in Him. God has given you this path for a reason. So, if your path is dark right now remember, God tests His best! We all know it’s really easy to have faith when life is rosy,isn’t it?! But, is it that easy when the road gets rough? Not so much! So, have faith and know that you will get through this. And, as for enemies? In the depth of depression we must recognise that our greatest enemies, do not lie outside of us, they lie within. Our greatest enemies are all those thoughts, actions or behaviours which disconnect us from God and his love. What beliefs do you need help transforming? What actions do you need additional strength to stop? Fix your gaze on God and you’ll have the ability to rapidly crush all those self-limiting beliefs, negative thoughts and detrimental habits beneath your feet! Now, how great would that feel? 🙂
I hope you enjoyed these Bible verses for depression!
God bless 💖
All the best,
Marie 😉
