When you’re sad, it’s easy to feel like you’re not enough. Maybe it seems like God wouldn’t love you in this mental state. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
These feelings of despondency and dejection often comes in various forms. Maybe you’ve just had a bad day, you’ve experienced a difficult circumstance that’s lasted a long time, or you could have a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Regardless of the source, you are known and loved by God. He sees you in your pain and wants you to know that he cares for you.
Easier to read than believe though sometimes, right?
We get it.
When it comes to feeling down and out as a result of life‘s circumstances, the Bible has much to say about depression!
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- Deuteronomy. 31:8 – “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
- Philippians 4:10-13 – “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
- John 16:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
- Matthew 11:28-30 – “ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
- Romans 5:1-5 – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
When it comes to a literal chemical imbalance in the brain, where depression can be classified as a mental illness, the Bible also has much to say about depression!
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- James 5:14 – “ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
- 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.”
- Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
- 2 Kings 20:5 – “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord”
- Jeremiah 17:14 – “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.”
- 1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
- Hebrews 2:17-18 – “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
It’s easy to feel a sense of hopelessness in the midst of depression waves crashing over you on a regular basis.
Jesus doesn’t promise us a life free of struggle, but he promises that in the midst of the struggle, he is with us.
You are not alone.
- Take care of your physical health with good sleep, good food, and exercise.
- Get social support with healthy family and friend relationships. Gather together and laugh.
- Get wise counsel from mentors, pastors, and others who can give you the wisdom and prayer you need.
- Examine yourself and your relationship with Jesus. Confess any sins. Forgive freely.
- Read truth over yourself from scripture. Here’s a good place to start.
“Going to counseling” seems to have a bad connotation. Maybe it’s because people feel embarrassed that they have a problem? Here’s some freeing news: we all have problems.
And God designed us to be in relationship with him and other people. Counseling is a great way to talk through what you’re experiencing.
Our Pastoral Care team is a great place to start if you need counseling. Simply reach out here.
