What does the Bible Say about Depression?

You may know think you know what is written in the Book quite well but think about it: what does the Bible say about depression and how is this relevant to someone today? Does the Bible contain any advice that is practical in today’s world? Let’s find out…

Depression Help: Can the Bible Help You Beat Depression?

The answer is a big yes, it sure can! Faith in something greater than yourself can give you comfort and meaning in your life, so if you believe in God, no matter what your religion, use that belief to improve your life and your sense of purpose.

Some people do not believe in the power of faith. Also, some even believe that having faith in God can increase your depression. Why?

Religion and depression: are they linked?

The other day someone left this comment for me:

“The source of depression could very well be the Bible.” I often hear this. And I absolutely disagree, that’s why I am writing this – I’ll show you exactly how the Bible can help you beat your depression. Now, let me just say that if you’re not Christian that’s fine, this is just an example. All religious books have truths and valuable help contained within.

Catholics and depression: is there any connection?

Back to me for a second. I was brought up a Catholic and if you don’t know what that means, I’ll explain. It means guilt and lots of it! Catholics are great at instilling guilt and they convince you that living to the full is avoiding your moral responsibilities. We have to avoid temptation and drink and stay on the good path. All this avoiding and guilt makes for a rather joyless and unhappy life so maybe that’s where the above attitude towards the Bible comes from. However, as with most things when you read the Bible you see what you are looking for. Somehow I believe in a God who wants us to live and experience the good things around us. I don’t believe he wants us to be miserable slaves.

Please don’t think I am not grateful for all the good things being brought up a Catholic has taught me. I may not believe all that I have been told (much of it appears to conflict with what the Bible in fact says), but I have an unshakable faith in God and I appreciate how valuable this is. Back to the topic…

The positive message of the Bible

The Bible contains a very positive message. This positivity is one heck of an antidote to depression because it is the exact opposite, and creates feelings that are also the opposite of depression symptoms.

So what is the positive message of the Bible? Surely you know that if you’ve read it, but those of you that need a quick summary, (and for friends who belong to other religions), here is a quick list of positive themes in the Bible which are reasons to be happy:

• God loves you unconditionally
• Death is not the end of you
• There is a purpose in your life
• God forgives you no matter what you have done
• There are only two simple things you need to do and they are: love God and love others
• Everything is possible if you believe
• Everyone is equal
• God protects you, loves you and will give you everything you need if you trust in Him

Well, if that’s not positive enough for you then you’re very hard to please!

How faith can help

Faith in itself is a very powerful weapon you possess against depression. Prayer can help you to become stronger and wiser and prepare you better to overcome the difficulties you may face in your life.

One huge problem with depression is that it makes you feel isolated and your problems may appear overwhelming because you feel you need to face them alone. This is a big mistake! Belief in God, which the Bible helps you to maintain and strengthen, means that you’ll never feel alone. You have someone to talk to at all times and rely on even if you have few friends. This has been of great personal comfort to me and I have experienced the power of prayer in my life. I swear that when I most needed it, a few words and a bit of patience were all I needed and fantastic things happened to me.

One thing you need to remember is that God does not necessarily have the same schedule as you and patience is needed as it takes time to get what you want.

The Bible can provide some great affirmations which you can repeat daily. Doing so helps to make you stronger and more determined. You can read more about how to use affirmations here.

Depression Help: Biblical Quotes You Can Use as Positive Affirmations

“Be ye Transformed by the renewing of your thoughts” (Romans 12 verse 2)

“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble and He remembers those that trust in Him” (Nahum 1 verse 7)

“Fear not for I am with you, don’t be dismayed for I am your God, I will help you and make you strong and uphold you with my victorious Right Hand” (Isaiah 41 verse 10)

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13 verse 5)

The above affirmative quotations can give you strength. If you believe, there is no need to fear – yet another positive message. There are a few more that specifically tell you that God will help you with depression if you ask:

“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalms 34:17)

Depression is your enemy

I have been in the depths of depression and I know that the above is true. Depression is an evil thing that prevents you from being the best you can be. It stops you from sharing the good that is within you. Depression can only bring forth negativity. It has destroyed so many good and beautiful people in the past and is definitely not part of God’s plan, I’m sure of that.

“Anyone who is among the living has hope.” Ecclesiastes 9:4

Depression is a lack of balance in your thinking and emotions. Children are not born depressed. They are joyful and excited and amazed at the wonder of the world. Depression is anger, stress and hopelessness and that develops over time. Negativity is learned and therefore you can unlearn it and discover again how to be happy. The Bible is one tool you can use and if you read it you’ll find so many other positive messages in it. It is an inspirational text that can speak to you in a very personal way. If you listen and put into practice the words you read, it can free of depression.

Life is a challenge

Life can be painful and filled with problems but with a strong faith in God it is never hopeless. Use your faith to protect you, guide you and overcome your feelings of depression. Giving up on life, or on yourself is not only a mistake it is giving up on God. Don’t despair, there is always hope! I found it and you can too…

Links to more information about the Bible and depression

Bible Quotes that will strengthen you if you are sad or unhappy

Good luck and God bless…