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 the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3
People experience depression in many ways and in many forms, I would have loved to use statistics from a research journal just to buttress just how many depressed people we have today in any particular country. But depression is not about race, nationality, culture or money there are many rich depressed people as there are poor depressed people. Depression supersedes the age we live in, it seems the more global we become as humans the more global depression becomes. Needless to say the bible has so many comforting and healing words for when depression sets in because people where depressed 2000 years ago and people will still face depression in 50 years to come. There are many reasons people fall into depression and one trigger for one person is something another individual can get past, irrespective of what is causing you to be depressed here are 10 bible scriptures to overcoming depression.
1)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.
There is something that is common to people around the world and it is problems and challenges. Some have it worse than others but irrespective of what the situation is God is saying only him can give you peace because there will always be trouble in this world of ours but we will overcome if we fix our gaze on him.
2)Psalm 30:11
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.
God is a God of possibilities, he will move mountains and turn difficult situations around if you put your trust in him. He will dry away your tears and put a new song in your mouth.
3) 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.
One thing depression does is put people down in a state of hopelessness, it makes one think nothing is worth doing in this life. It drains the strength and will to carry on in life from an individual, God is saying in this bible verse that if we wait upon him our strength to carry on will be renewed.
4) Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Jesus died that mankind may have salvation and hope for a better future, the blood of Jesus is as potent today as it was 2000 years ago. As a Christian the word of God should be your only testimony (i.e confession) not want people are saying on social media or what you see on the News this does not mean that you are living in denial but that you choose to see everything through the word of God.
5) Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Depression often starts from unruly thoughts, thoughts of worthlessness, thoughts of hopelessness and despair these are all lies that the devil whispers into our hearts if you let these kind of thoughts settle and take root in your heart it could lead to shame, disappointment in self and ultimately severe depression. What is the bibles prescription for how we should think, we are asked to think about things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue and praise. Good thoughts produce cheerful and joyous people, negative thoughts produce sad and depressed people.
6) Psalms 3:3
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
The lord is the lifter of your head and your shield from the fiery darts of the enemy aimed at attacking your with heart lies that cause heaviness in your spirit. No matter how low you think you may be God is in the business of lifting people up.
7) Isaiah 61:3
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 the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
This bible passage speaks for itself God is in the business of changing situations, think about bible characters like Joseph and David who seem like all was lost for them. Joseph being falsely accused of rape and sent to jail and David being pursued for years by King Saul who wanted to kill him. In the end God had a plan for them even when it seemed like they had no future.
8) Proverbs 14:30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
Unfair comparism of oneself with others around you could easily lead to depression as you will always feel everyone is better than you which is not true. You should always be content and happy with your life. Wanting to be exactly like others will always lead to heartache, self destruction and depression.
9) 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.
Just know one thing God has a plan for you and if you trust him and surrender to his will, you will have peace in this world even when there is chaos around you.
10) Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Trust God, trust his plan for your life so many of us think we know what is best for us so we go about our lives planning everything without involving God or knowing if he will have us go in a certain direction and when things do not work out we blame God and ask him why he deserted us but the truth is God was never with you in the first place he was never with you when you entered the wrong relationship or when you applied and got that Job. If you do not invite God into a situation he will not force himself on your. Lean not on your own understanding and wisdom today and invite God into every area of your life.
To enjoy the full benefit of the God we serve you must first be born again by surrendering your life to Christ and Confessing Jesus as your lord and Savior.
please say this confession of faith
“God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus’ precious and holy name. Amen.”
iniudosen 