What does the Bible say about depression?
Depression is a widespread condition, affecting millions of people, Christians and non-Christians
alike. Those suffering from depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, anger,
hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. They may begin to feel useless and even
suicidal, losing interest in things and people that they once enjoyed. Depression is often triggered
by life circumstances, such as a loss of job, death of a loved one, divorce, or psychological
problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.
The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11), so God
apparently intends for us all to live joyful lives. This is not easy for someone suffering from
situational depression, but it can be remedied through God's gifts of prayer, Bible study and
application, Scripture memorization, support groups, fellowship among believers, confession,
forgiveness, intentional gratitude, and counseling. Things like exercise, time outdoors, good
sleep habits, and healthy nutrition are also very important in battling against feelings of
depression. Too, serving others can help us turn our attention to Christ and the good things God
is doing in the world. We must make the conscious effort to not be absorbed in ourselves, but to
turn our efforts outward. Feelings of depression can often be solved when those suffering with
depression move the focus from themselves to Christ and others.
Clinical depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician. It may not be
caused by unfortunate life circumstances, nor can the symptoms be alleviated by one’s own will.
Contrary to what some in the Christian community believe, clinical depression is not always
caused by sin. Depression can sometimes be caused by a physical disorder that needs to be
treated with medication and/or counseling. Of course, God is able to cure any disease or disorder.
However, in some cases, seeing a doctor for depression is no different than seeing a doctor for an
injury.
There are some things that those who suffer from depression can do to alleviate their anxiety.
They should make sure that they are staying in the Word, even when they do not feel like it.
Emotions can lead us astray, but God’s Word stands firm and unchanging. We must maintain
strong faith in God and hold even more tightly to Him when we undergo trials and temptations.
The Bible tells us that God will never allow temptations into our lives that are too much for us to
handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). Although being depressed is not a sin, one is still accountable for
the response to the affliction, including getting the professional help that is needed. “Through
Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess
his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
Unconfessed Sin
Sin is not the only cause for depression, but it can be a major factor in many cases. This reality is
virtually ignored in secular psychology and psychiatry. Psalms 32>and 38 reveal the detrimental
effects of unconfessed sin. When David tried to hide his sin from man and God he was
smothered with anxiety, distress, and a lack of joy. In Psalm 51, he relays how his transgressions,
sins, and evil behavior sapped him of his joy. Only after he fully repented and told the truth
about his adultery did God restore his “joy and gladness” (v. 8).
Non-Christians harbor the worst unconfessed sin of all—suppressing the truth of God (Rom
1:18) and rejecting Jesus as Lord (John 3:18-20). Unbelievers will never have true joy or relief
from ultimate depression in this life until they repent of their sins and embrace Christ as Savior
and Lord. Unbelievers can’t know true joy apart from Christ, and, as a result, they live in
darkness, meaninglessness, and under the constant wrath of God (Rom 1:18).>John 3:36>is
clear:“He who>believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who>does not>obey the Son will not see
life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” The word for “abides” here is>menō, and in the present
tense means the word gives the sense of “continues unabated.” In other words, unbelievers can’t
shake the wrath of God pressing down on them because of their unbelief. Only salvation in
Christ will provide the supernatural relief they need.
Ignorance About Sin
Many Christians are not fully aware of their sin and its attendant consequences. This can be a
great cause of sorrow and depression in the life of a believer, particularly among newer
believers, and especially those who get saved later in life. Christians are often not aware that sin
permanently lives in the believer (Rom 7:21) and produces a daily spiritual civil war in the soul.
The presence of this “war” can confuse many children of God. As believers they want to please
God and forsake sin, yet sinful habits seem to continually hound them. As a result, believers may
experience tremendous guilt and discouragement due to their residual sin. Read>Romans 7:14-
25>and see how frustrated the apostle Paul is with his own indwelling sin that he can’t shake
while in this life. He gets disgusted with himself, crying out, “Who will set me free from the
body of this death?” (Rom 7:24). Only resurrection in the future will remove the presence of sin.
Ignoring Guilt
Many people have depression because they don’t deal with guilt properly. All three secular
health organizations referred to in the aforementioned>article>say that guilt is bad and needs to be
eradicated. In other words, they argue that guilt is an illegitimate feeling that needs to be
dismissed, justified, smothered, or ignored. They surmise that guilt is an unhealthy by-product of
oppressive social norms foisted upon individuals, shackling natural inhibitions and liberties that
should be expressed with full vent and no shame. In effect, they argue for no moral restraints.
The Bible, on the other hand, says we should exercise self-control (2 Pet 1:6), deny ourselves
(Luke 9:23), make war against our bodily passions (Col 3:5), put to death our lusts (Rom 6:13)
and welcome guilt as a gift from God as a barometer of our conscience (2 Tim 1:3) and an
internal signal that our thinking or behavior is out of sync with God’s Law or Spirit (Rom 7:22).
This notion of subverting guilt at all costs comes from the atheist Sigmund Freud and should be
rejected outright.
Wrong Thinking
Many people have unmet expectations. They are depressed about their marriage or depressed
about their family. They may be depressed about their kids or depressed about their job. They
might be depressed about their lot in life. This comes down to unmet expectations. People need
to be realistic about life and think about reality from a biblical point of view. This world has
been subjected to futility by God from the beginning after Adam and Eve sinned (Rom 8:18-26).
As a result, we all live in a fallen world, among fallen people. This life is full of “groanings”
(Rom 8:26) and troubles (Job 5:7). Heartache, trials and pain are normative for all humans (Jam
1:5)—no one is exempt or is subjected to anything uncommon that the rest of us don’t
experience (1 Cor 10:13).
We are all emotional beings and naturally go through the full gamut of emotional experiences.
Feeling sad, anxious or depressed once in a while should not be eschewed or avoided at all costs,
or always drowned out with foreign meds or toxins to hide in the false, temporary, numbing
world of escape. It is actually healthy to go through the full range of emotional experience,
including deep sadness. In the Old Testament, God actually had designated extended periods of
mourning for His people when it was appropriate. Thirty days of mourning were recognized by
the Israelites when Moses died (Deut 34:8). Joseph and the Egyptians mourned for seventy-seven
days when Jacob died as “they lamented there with a very great and sorrowful lamentation” (Gen
50:3-10). Depression and sadness are actually appropriate feelings to experience in light of the
hardships of this life as we wait for the glories of heaven, when finally all sorrows and mourning
and depression will be wiped away (Rev 21:4;>2 Cor 4:17).
Human Weakness
You can be depressed simply as a result of human weakness and frailty. The constitution of our
present fallen bodies and minds make us all vulnerable to times of sadness, anxiety and
depression. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says our present bodies are weak and frail (vv. 42-48). And
some people are weaker in constitution and in personality than others. Some people are simply
more prone to depression than others. In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul reminds believers to “encourage
the fainthearted, help the weak” (v. 14). Here he is referring to some people who struggle in this
area of physical and emotional weakness. Peter reminds husbands that their wives are the
“weaker” vessels (1 Pet 3:7), meaning women are emotionally more vulnerable and need to be
protected accordingly. This is consistent with yearly statistics that continue to say that women
attempt suicide more frequently than men and struggle with depression more than men, even
though more men are successful at actually killing themselves. So, knowing your own
temperament and your weaknesses can be a big help in combatting depression in your own life.
Demonic Oppression
Satan is a real personal being—and utterly wicked just as the Bible depicts (1 Pet 5:8). He is
called “the accuser of the brethren” (Rev 12:10) because he ceaselessly harasses the children of
God. Satan’s assaults were a great cause of sorrow and depression in the life of Job (Job 1-2).
Demonic spirits terrorized King Saul, greatly affecting his emotional state (1 Sam 16:14). In the
New Testament, Satan and his demons indwelt and possessed people, causing serious oppression
in their lives (Matt 8:22). In our current day, secular medical professionals completely ignore the
reality of demons and the effect they can have on people, including depression; and some in the
Christian charismatic world go to the opposite extreme, blaming demons for every problem in
life, including post-nasal drip. The balance is somewhere in between—demonic oppression is
real, causes depression, and is a real threat in the life of unbelievers (John 8:44;>Eph 2:1-2).
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.
Fear also sends the emotions into a tailspin. From Genesis (15:1) to Revelation (2:10), God
commands His children not to fear, but rather to trust and rest in Him. God promises to provide
supernatural internal peace to those who trust in Him rather than live in fear: “I sought the Lord,
and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).>Three times in Matthew
6>Jesus commanded His disciples, “Do not worry!” These are imperatives, not suggestions. We
worry when we lack faith, so we need supernatural faith to overcome worry. Supernatural faith
comes from only one place—the Scriptures: “Faith comes by hearing a word about Christ” (Rom
10:17). Do you want to guard against depression that many times is a result of fear and a lack of
faith? Then consume God’s Word as found in Scripture so He can strengthen you from the inside
out with the power of His Spirit. There is no better solution.
Does God Heal Depression?
Depression has a cure.>God’s desire for us is to be free from pain and suffering, including
depression. He feels deeply for us and loves us enough to bring light to whatever darkness we
might be in. Here are several examples in scripture that show us how God feels toward those in
depression.
He heals thebrokenhearted, and bind up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
Even though I walk through thedarkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod
and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
OLord, and be merciful to me! OLord, be my helper! You have turned for me mymourning into
dancing;you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,that my glory may sing
your praise and not be silent.
Psalm 30:10-12
Come to me, all you who areweary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon
you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you willfind rest for your
souls.For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will beno more death or mourning or crying or
pain,for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelation 21:4
By choosing to partner with Abba in your depression, I believe you can be set free! It’s important
that when approaching healing in this area, that we have a good heart posture. If we are not open
and willing to receive healing then, God can’t move and do his work in our lives. So here are two
steps to help prepare your heart for healing:
1. You must have a desire or want to be free from depression
2. Invite God into your suffering and allow Him to begin working in your heart
Both are crucial to being able to walk in freedom. But, before we can dive into the practical steps
to overcoming depression, let’s first define what depression is.
Types of Depression
There are two types of depression, spiritual and physical. Each is very different, yet can appear
similar based on symptoms. Here is some information to help you identify which you or
someone you may know could be struggling with.
Spiritual Depression
When understanding the cause of your depression, it is important to find out whether or not your
depression is physical or spiritual. The cloud of depression that overwhelms you could actually
be a spirit of heaviness. This spirit is referenced multiple times throughout scripture. Spiritual
depression is real, and it can affect even those who have a strong Christian faith.
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for
mourning, the garment of praise for thespirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of
righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3
We know for a fact that there are spiritual principalities of darkness and Satan uses them to wage
war in our lives and our minds. The>spirit of heaviness>is a demon—a personality that studies us
knows our weaknesses and knows how and when to attack. Recognizing the identity of an enemy
is a tremendous first step, but then it must be fought.
The weapons wefightwithare not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have
divinepowerto demolishstrongholds.We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets
itself up against the knowledge of God,and wetake captive every thoughtto make it obedientto
Christ
2 Corinthians 10:4-6
No, in all these things we are more thanconquerorsthrough him who loved us.For I am
convinced that neither death nor life, neither angelsnor demons,neither the present nor the
future,nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39
For he has rescued us from thedominion of darknessand brought us into the kingdom of the
Son he loves, in whom we haveredemption, theforgivenessof sins.
Colossians 1:13-14
We see in these scriptures that we are indeed in a war. A spiritual battle. There is a fight in the
spiritual realm taking place right now even as you are reading this.
Once you understand this, you can then learn practical ways to spiritually fight back and take
control of your mind. Some ways to do this are:
Meditate on scriptures like the ones above and pray: “In the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ – according to Your Word – I ask you to deliver me from any spirit of heaviness in
Jesus name.”
Take captive your thoughts. >It is up to us to make our mind realize that it is our servant,
not our master. Our minds are affected by our thoughts, so we must take charge of what
we think. Take a moment to think about what your mind is thinking about. Ask yourself,
“Is this thought of life or death?” And also ask, “Where did that thought come from? Is it
from God? Your flesh? Or is it from the enemy?” If it is not of God then it’s not
something you need to be dwelling on.
Put on some worship music to saturate the atmophere and ask the Holy Spirit to come in
and fill your mind with peace and bring you hope amidst the overwhelming feelings of
despair.
It is also important to know that spiritual depression could be the result of an unwillingness to
repent or face the guilt from sinful actions. Scripture says that is not good to hold on to or
conceal sin.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear theLord, andturn away from evil. It will behealing to your
flesh andrefreshmentto your bones.
Proverbs 3:7-8
Whoeverconceals his transgressions will not prosper,but he whoconfesses and forsakes them
will obtain mercy.
Proverbs 28:13
To be free from spiritual depression, you may need to examine your heart and see if there is any
unforgiveness or sin that is holding you back from living a life filled with hope and joy. To do
this, you need to first repent and then trust in the forgiving grace of God.
Spiritual depression can be a means by which the enemy is attacking you or an indicator that
there is sin in your life that needs to be dealt with. But, it can also be caused by physical reasons
outside of your control.
Physical Depression
Clinical depression is a form of mental illness. The medical definition of depression is, “A
mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed moods or loss of interest in
activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.”
A>physical depression diagnosis is made when at least five of the following symptoms occur
nearly every day for at least two weeks:
Depressed mood
Loss of pleasure in all or most activities
Significant weight change or change in appetite
Change in sleep
Change in activity
Fatigue or loss of energy
Diminished concentration
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Thoughts of suicide
Depression is often misunderstood as feeling “sad”. But physical depression can have complex
medical conditions thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetic,
biological, psychological, and environmental triggers. Understanding the symptoms of
depression is one of the steps to identifying whether or not your depression is physical or
spiritual.
Though God heals without medication, it doesn’t mean that medication can’t be helpful. God
gave doctors and health professionals gifts for the purpose of healing. And for you, medical help
such as through medication could be the way God brings you healing. To read more about
Christians and Anti-Depressants click>here.
Regardless of whether you have physical depression, spiritual depression, or just have depressive
feelings from time to time, Abba is there in the midst of the pain and the chaos of emotions with
you. There is comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone. He is there with you in the
shallows and He is there in the depths.
Overcoming Depression
My personal struggle with depression began at 16 and morphed into a full-on depression. I can
remember a day where I cried tears of joy and thankfulness because I honestly didn’t believe that
I would make it as far in life as I had at that time. I felt swallowed up by the depression and
suicidal thoughts at that time, and it was hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
I would describe depression as an ocean. At first, when the water looks clear and inviting, I
enjoyed the highs of the sea in my mind. But, then I’d have a thought or a doubt and the waves
would engulf me in dark, misty turbulence, slowly dragging me into the ocean’s depths of
darkness.
But in God’s mighty grace and his unwavering love for me, He kept pursuing me, even when I
pushed Him away. Abba and I began the process of healing, one step at a time. He never left my
side throughout the whole process. By age 20, I had allowed the Lord to heal me and change
several ways of thinking I had believed for so long. And now today, I can say I am FREE from
depression!
A student recently shared this story with me, “God showed me a picture of Him and me sitting in
a boat on the ocean of depression that once used to drown me. I looked at my feet and saw all
these anchors tied to ropes. I was puzzled and looked up at Jesus. He smiled and winked at me
and said to look over the side of the boat. So, I did. I looked down, down, down into the depths
of the ocean and saw something. And when my eyes adjusted, I realized that what I saw were
people. They were trapped in hopelessness, anxiety, fears, depression, suicidal thoughts, etc.
They were in the very place I had once been. I heard Jesus say, “The very things that the enemy
tries to take you out with, is the very thing in your testimony that I will use in you to bring
freedom to others.” Together, Jesus and I began to throw overboard the anchors and pull up
every person that was drowning into the boat.”
This picture has powerful meaning and is hopefully encouraging to you who may still be
struggling with depression. Despite where you are in your journey of healing, God will use the
very thing that the enemy meant for evil in your life, such as depression, for His glory, and for
good.
The very things that the enemy tries to take you out with, is the very thing in your testimony that
Abba will use to bring freedom to others.
I believe God can do the same for you. I hope that through reading this, you will gain a better
understanding of what depression is, how God views it, and how He is with you despite the
darkness you may feel trapped in.
Let hope arise, change is in the air. A new season is coming for you.
Can you not discern this new day of destiny breaking forth around you? The early signs of my
purposes and plans are bursting forth. The budding vines of new life are now blooming
everywhere. The fragrance of their flowers whispers, “There is change in the air.” Arise, my
love, my beautiful companion, and run with me to the higher place. For now is the time to arise
and come away with me.
Song of Songs 2:13
God has a beautiful plan for you, beloved. He sees you and is filled with joy because you are His
child. Don’t lose sight of hope because of the trial you are facing. Instead, ask Him to show you
how He is using your depression to transform you and shape you into the likeness of Himself.
There is nothing too broken that He can’t use. He wastes nothing. He uses everything for the
good of those who love Him.
