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PSALM 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
MATTHEW 5:4 God bless those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God isn't disappointed by your depression and emotional struggles; on the contrary, he feels a special closeness to you. You can actually experience more of God's presence in times of brokenness.
PSALM 139:12 Even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
There is no depth to which you can descend where God is not present with you. Even if you don't feel his presence, he has not abandoned you. You don't have to feel trapped in the darkness if you allow God's comforting light to enter your soul.
PSALM 130:1 From the depth of despair, O LORD, I call for your help.
Allow yourself to cry out to God even from the darkest pit of despair. He wants to help you.
ISAIAH 53:3 He was despised and rejected - a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
Remember that Jesus understands the pain of human life, and he suffered everything you have and more.
ROMANS 8:39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Not even life's worst depression can separate you from the love Jesus has for you and to lavish on you. He knows all that has happened and what you are going through, and he loves you with a greater love than you could ever imagine.
Does feeling depressed mean something is wrong with my faith?
JUDGES 15:18 Samson was not very thirsty, and he cried out to the LORD, "You have accomplished this great victory by the strength of your servant. Must I now die of thirst...?"
1 KINGS 19:3-4 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life... He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die.
Even for the people of God, depression can often follow great achievement or spiritual victory. You are on such a high that the only place to go is down. This is common, and if you recognize this, you will not be surprised when you feel down soon after feeling on top of the world.
PSALM 40:2 The LORD lifted me out of the pit of despair...He st my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
MATTHEW 14:30-31 When Peter saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. " Save me, LORD!" he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.
God is able to lift you out of the pit of depression and fear, but you must let him. There is something wrong with your faith only if you convince yourself that God cannot or does not want to help you.
Can any good come out of depression?
PSALM 126:5 Those who plant in tear will harvest with shouts of joy.
2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 God said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.
When you are weak, you are more receptive to the Lord's strength. When everything is going your way, it's easy to overlook God's hand in your life. As God works through your weakness, however, you learn to depend more on him and recognize and be grateful for the good work that only he can accomplish in you.
How can I help people who are depressed?
PROVERBS 25:20 Singingncheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone's coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound.
ROMANS 12:15 Be happy with those who are happy and weep with those who weep.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:4 God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.
The best way to help people who are down is to model the gentle, caring love of Christ. Those dealing with depression need comfort and understanding, not advice and lectures. You can help those who are depressed by your quiet presence, your love, and your encouragement. Telling them to "snap out of it" or minimizing their pain by false cheeriness will just make them feel worse.
Promise from God MATTHEW 11:28-30 Jesus said" Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
I've seen several friends and relatives take antidepressants for years on end. None get better and most get worse.
Just a gravy train for the pharmaceutical companies and at best tinkering around with symptoms rather than tackling, or even trying to establish the cause. Taking a pill doesn't alter people's life experiences, circumstances, their way of looking at them, or perceptions of themselves or others but does usually lessen self esteem.
Anyone who has actually overcome depression has taken the time to find the root cause with cognitive therapy, or systems like James Gordon's "Destroy Depression"
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