Bible Verses for Depression: Top 35 Graceful

By David Small •  Updated: 05/04/21 •  10 min read

Bible verses for depression will help to  you beat this ailment. Depression affects all types of people – people who have enough and people who have nothing.

People with great jobs and people who are unemployed. People who are famous and anonymous, and the list goes on.

Depression is real … the feelings are real, the pain is real, the weight is heavy.

Even several people in the Bible experienced depression. Moses, Elijah, David, Job, and Naomi, among others, experienced pain and depression for different reasons.

Depression is no surprise to God and does not cancel out its purpose for your life.

You may be struggling, but you are still who God says you are. And that doesn’t make you less of a person. You are so valuable, and your story is not over!

Find out what the Bible says about depression and how to fight it.

These powerful Bible verses for depression will help you to overcome depression with the help of God and His Holy Spirit!

Psalms for Depression.

We have nothing to fear in life because God walks by our side. When you feel alone, remember that even if there is no one else, He is there.

When you experience feelings of fear, remember that He will never leave you. Other people will come and go, but God will never leave you.

This verse serves as a reminder of God’s love for us. Even in dark times when you are faced with difficult situations, He walks by your side and guides you on a straight path forward.

1. Psalm 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

2. Psalm 9:9

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble.

3. Psalm 126:4-6

Turn our captivity, O LORD, As the streams in the south again. They that sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

4. Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the LORD, And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: Many shall see it, and fear, And shall trust in the LORD.

5. Psalm 41:10

But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, And raise me, that I may requite them.

6. Psalm 42:11

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; For I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

7. Psalm 34:17-18   

The righteous cry and the LORD heareth, And delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

8. Psalm 3:3

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

9. Psalm 32:10

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: But he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

Also Related: Emotional Pain and Healing: Top 51 Helpful Bible Verses.

Verses to combat depression in the Old Testament.

Not everything in life is good news, but that doesn’t mean there is no hope. The difference is made when a person uses sadness as a lesson to get ahead in life.

However, if we let grief take over our hearts, we can easily get caught in the grip of discouragement and depression.

The Word of God offers comfort for those moments and reminds us that the things of this world are fleeting but that God can offer us peace, tranquility, and happiness that are eternal.

Depression can make you feel like you’re overwhelmed. But no matter how worried you feel, these verse reminds you that the Lord is always there to support you.

10. Proverbs 12:25

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: But a good word maketh it glad.

11. Deuteronomy 31:8

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

12. Joshua 1:9  

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

13. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

Bible verses when you are depressed.

Through previous struggles in your life, God has always been there. Even if you are struggling with depression and other mental health concerns, God will still be by your side.

If you put God first in your life and focus on him, he can help you find what you need to overcome all obstacles.

These verses can empower you, and they remind you that you are not alone.

14. Romans 15:13  

Now the God of hope fills you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost.

15. 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.

16. Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

17. Nahum 1:7

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him.

God Will Never Fail Nor Abandon You.

Some days you may feel like you’ve lost all your strength. That the world could go on perfectly fine without you, remember: You are loved and dear to a God greater than the entire universe.

When you feel lonely, anxious, or depressed, look to Heavenly Father because He will give you the strength you need to keep going.

18. 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.

19. 1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

20. Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Jesus Will Take Your Burdens From You.

When you are struggling with depression, it can be challenging to understand why you feel certain emotions.

Feelings of depression can be a heavy burden, and many people make the mistake of thinking that it is a burden to carry alone.

These verses serve as a reminder that Jesus is there to lift your burdens and provide relief.

21. Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.

22. 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.

23. Romans 8:38-39  

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

24. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.

Bible Verses for Overcoming Depression.

When emotions of anguish, anxiety, sadness, or helplessness catch you for an extended period, this has a tremendous negative effect on the hormonal development of your brain.

When you are distressed, sad, super stressed, your brain begins to stop producing certain hormones necessary for a clear, creative, and intelligent mind. It is as if you stop producing fuel to start your life.

You get trapped in that tunnel that leads you directly to that terrible state of pain, which is depression. So, my brothers, we are going to avoid depression before it comes.

25. James 5:13-15

Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

26. Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

27. Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but encouraging one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

28. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Rejoice in the Lord.

Depression and anxiety can be isolating experiences. But Jesus is there, and He cares about you. You can turn to Him for help with whatever you are feeling.

Even if there are difficult or dark times, taking time to be grateful and reflect on the good things can lift your spirits.

29. Proverbs 17:22

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bone

30. Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are, 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.

31. James 5:13-14

Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord

32. James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

33. Ecclesiastes 9:7

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.

34. Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

35. Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.

In conclusion

I would tell you not to fight this battle alone, talk to your partner to your children, or your best friend. But remember, if you think that your depression is biological or hereditary, you should see a specialist in the area.

Pray to the Lord and ask him to come to your aid, present all your burdens and your needs to him. No one understands us better than God Himself. Our best remedy will always be the encounter with Christ.

The scriptures say: “Can a woman forget her suckling child, without having compassion on the child of her womb? Isaiah 49:15.

Brothers, if you need his love today, ask the King of Kings! And he who knows you will hold you tightly in his arms for the glory of his name.

David Small

Is an Ordained Minister and Life Coach. He is an ordained minister since 1988. Shortly after receiving Jesus as his personal savior, he answered the call to ministry.