Table of Contents
Bible Characters That Experienced Depression
There are numerous references to Bible characters who suffered from periods of depression, one of the human race’s most common and distressing problems. Here are some examples for those that experienced depression:
- Abraham (Genesis 15)
- Jonah (Jonah 4)
- Job (Book of Job)
- Elijah (1 Kings 19)
- King Saul (I Samuel 16:14-23)
- Jeremiah (Book of Jeremiah)
- David (Psalms 6, 13, 18, 23, 25, 27, 31, 32, 34, 37-40, 42-43, 46, 51, 55, 62-63, 69, 71, 73, 77, 84, 86, 90-91, 94-95, 103-104, 107, 110, 116, 118, 121, 123-124, 130, 138, 139, 141-143, 146-147).
The Lord’s Healing Word
The good news is that the Lord sends His Word to heal people from depression and delivers them from emotional distress (Psalm 107:20). By His word, the Lord made the heavens and all their host (Psalm 33:6). This same word is food for the hungry soul and the source of spiritual joy and power to the weary (Jeremiah 15:16; Matthew 4:4). The greater revelation of that word is seen in Christ, the living Word, who was incarnated and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Let us look at some of God’s promises to overcome depression:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. …For You are the God of my strength…” (Psalm 42:5, 43:2).
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:4-8).
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
The Source of Hope
Christians are promised to obtain joy and victory over depression (Romans 15:13). The Holy Spirit produces joy in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:22). This is the holy gladness that brightens the heart and casts away all gloom (1 Thessalonian 1:6). This type of happiness is not about lightness of mood. But it is received when we make the decision to focus on God’s love, on gratitude and on uplifting things (John 3:16).
If you are suffering from depression, understand who you are in Christ as a son of the Most High. Then, allow the power of the Holy Spirit to transform and renew your mind (Romans 12:2). Holy joy is one of the main privileges of the believer.
The Lord is always the same (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17). His love, His care, His grace, are the same in times of hardship as in times of success. Jesus’ ability to grant peace to the soul does not rely on external circumstances; so the heart that is centered on Him may continue rejoicing, even among difficulties (Acts 16:25).
The thought of the nearness of the coming of the Lord should free us from depression, worldly worries, and crushing sorrows (Matthew 6:33, 34; 1 Peter 5:7). God has prepared amazing things for His children that far exceed their imagination (1 Corinthians 2:9). Praise His Name.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
