True Hope For Depression
Mental Health Awareness Week falls in October, so I will be writing a few posts about depression this month, including my own story.
I remember the day I first lost hope. It was a dreary Fall day in the mountains of North Carolina. My thoughts were lost in darkness. This is never going to end. I am never going to feel better. I just want it to stop.
The depression I thought I could manage alone consumed me. My family would miss me, but they are so much better off without me. I am just a burden. I don’t want to burden them anymore.
As I drove along the windy mountain road, I prayed, “God, please let me accidentally drive off the side of the mountain. Just let a truck plow me over. Please.” The Enemy grotesquely twisted Truth in my heart. Then, I’ll be with You, Lord, and everything will be made right.
The depression seemed too big. I wanted to die. I lost all hope.
But another voice pierced the darkness, “Hold on just a little longer, dear one. I am with You.” I was so lost in the fog of my depression, I knew this thought was not from myself. I wanted to push it away, to make things easier. But, for some reason, I held on.
Later that night, I scoured the Bible for a glimpse of hope and the Truth I found held me together- before I went on medication, after the medication started working, and still today when the medication makes me well.
We will never move past our need for the hope found in God’s Word.
God’s Word is not a list of platitudes, but living and certain Truth. We can find hope in it because we know for certain it is true.
We can find hope outside of our helplessness in the strong arms of a loving Father.
The following are some verses that offer hope in depression. This is for those struggling-please do not quote these to loved ones you know suffering from depression and tell them they “should” believe it. It is not helpful. Point them to the Word, for sure, but let the Spirit work in their hearts.
The Psalms
I always encourage those struggling with depression to begin in the Psalms. Not only do they describe the raw, honest emotion of those suffering, but they offer hope.
“The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Psalm 73:26
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Psalm 42:11"
The God of the Universe Gives Rest For Our Souls.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Mathew 11:28-30
Jesus already overcame every trouble in this to world-Includingd
Depression.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
We have hope in Christ, Who restores us.
"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
1 Peter 5:10
We have a joy in Christ that transcends emotions and circumstances.
"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."
Psalm 94:19
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Habakkuk 3:17-18
God longs to carry our anxieties for us.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7
This is a mere glimpse of the hope found in God’s Word regarding depression. If you are suffering from depression, you are not alone. There is a God who cares and identities with your struggle-He truly understands when no one else can (Hebrews 4:15).
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression so severely, you or they are thinking of taking their lives, PLEASE Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) at any time day or night 24/7, to talk to someone who understands. Or go online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for more information and help.
Learn how to meditate prayerfully on scripture and find rest for your soul. Sign Up to receive my free guide, "5 Ways to Slow Down and Experience God in the Everyday. It includes five suggestions for walking with God in the daily and grace-filled challenges to help you develop the habit. All of my free printables are included when you sign up.
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