Depression & Discouragement

Practical • Biblical • Cross-Cultural

Page Summary
Summary: Depression and the Bible: Books and free online Christian Bible studies and information on depression provide hope and help for depressed and discouraged people, as well as counselors & therapists. These biblical tools on depression and discouragement can be used by individuals, couples, small groups and classes.

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Depression Bible Studies

Responding to Problems

Expect problems — Don’t be surprised when you have problems

Turn to God in the midst of problems — God will strengthen you and help you

Do you set yourself up to get hurt? — It’s easy to accidentally “invite” rejection

Don’t take things personally — Even if someone wants you to take them personally

Do you have a jealous spouse? — If you are depressed because your spouse is jealous, evaluate yourself

Depressed over church problems? — Respond to disappointment with wisdom

Knowing God’s Forgiveness

Receive and accept God’s forgiveness — Practical steps to knowing and experiencing God’s forgiveness

Don’t think you are a uniquely bad person — Escape the trap of self-condemnation

Reject inappropriate guilt — Don’t let inappropriate guilt rob you of joy

Ask others to forgive you — Ask forgiveness, learn a lesson, and earn trust

Dealing with Failure

Overcoming failure or sin, Part 1 — Learn from David’s example

Overcoming failure or sin, Part 2 — Learn from Paul’s example

Overcoming failure or sin, Part 3 — Learn from Peter’s example

Overcoming failure or sin, Part 4 — Practical steps to help you in the future

Finding Peace and Joy

You are a child of God — Don’t take this for granted

God’s love for me — A personal Bible study on God’s love for us

Live life as an adventure — Escape boredom, depression, and discouragement

God has plans for your life — You have a purpose. What you do matters.

Choose joy — You can live a joyful life

Encouraging others — The power of encouraging words

Love yourself — Did Jesus say you must love yourself before you can love others?

Video on finding peace by forgiving — “Forgiveness and the Beach”

Focus on the positive — Be inspired by Philippians 4:8

Practice thankfulness — Say “thank you” to God and other people often

Practice kindness — Ask God to help you be kind, generous, and understanding

Making deep friends — Practical steps to developing deep friendships with other believers

Trusting God

Trust God to be with you — Put your primary trust in God, not others

Trust God, not your emotions — Your emotions go up and down, but God is dependable

Remember God’s faithfulness — Trust God: Remember times he was faithful in the Bible and in your life

Leave the results in God’s hands — Do your part, then trust God

Bible Verses About Depression and Discouragement

A Crushed Spirit

A crushed spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14)

Heartache crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:13)

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me. (Psalm 13:1-6)

I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:9-11)

Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. (Proverbs 25:20)

Knowing God’s Peace

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full [or “abundantly” in the New American Standard Bible]. (John 10:10)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. (Psalm 36:9)

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)