What does the word of God say about depression?

You will not find the term "depression" in the Bible except in the New Living Translation. Instead, the Bible uses words like downcast, sad, abandoned, discouraged, depressed, mourning, troubled, miserable, desperate and heartless.

You will find, however, many biblical people who show the symptoms of this disease: Hagar, Moses, Naomi, Anna, Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah, Nehemiah, Job, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Judas Iscariot and Paul.

What does the Bible say about depression?
What truths can we draw from the Word of God about this condition? Although the scriptures do not diagnose symptoms or present therapeutic options, they can reassure you that you are not alone in your struggle with depression.

Nobody is immune from depression
The Bible shows that depression can affect anyone. Poor people like Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, and very wealthy people, like King Solomon, suffered from depression. Young people, like David, and elders, like Job, were also afflicted.

Depression affects both women, like Anna, who was sterile, and men, like Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet". Understandably, depression can come after a defeat:

When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found him destroyed by fire and their wives, their sons and daughters captured. So David and his men cried aloud until there was no strength left to cry. (1 Samuel 30: 3-4, NIV)

Oddly, an emotional disappointment can also come after a big win. The prophet Elijah defeated Baal's false prophets on Mount Carmel in an extraordinary demonstration of the power of God (1 Kings 18:38). But instead of being encouraged, Elijah, fearing Jezebel's revenge, was tired and afraid:

He (Elia) came into a gorse bush, sat down under it and prayed that he could die. "I've had enough, sir," he said. “Take my life; I'm no better than my ancestors. " Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. (1 Kings 19: 4-5, NIV)

Even Jesus Christ, who was like us in all things except sin, may have suffered from depression. The messengers came to him, reporting that Herod Antipas had beheaded the beloved friend of Jesus John the Baptist:

When Jesus heard what had happened, he retired by boat privately to a lonely place. (Matthew 14:13, NIV)

God is not angry about our depression
Discouragement and depression are normal parts of the human being. They can be triggered by the death of a loved one, illness, loss of a job or status, divorce, leaving home or many other traumatic events. The Bible does not show that God punishes his people for his sadness. Rather, he acts as a loving father:

David was very distressed because men were talking about stoning him; each was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in his Eternal God. (1 Samuel 30: 6, NIV)

Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah and the Eternal remembered her. So over time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She called him Samuel, saying: "Because I asked the Lord for him." (1 Samuel 1: 19-20, NIV)

Because when we arrived in Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turning conflict on the outside, the fears on the inside. But God, who comforts the downcast, has comforted us since Tito's coming, and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation you have given him. (2 Corinthians 7: 5-7, NIV)

God is our hope in the midst of depression
One of the great truths of the Bible is that God is our hope when we are in trouble, including depression. The message is clear. When depression strikes, set your eyes on God, his power and his love for you:

The Eternal Himself precedes you and will be with you; it will never leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid; don't be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31: 8, NIV)

Didn't I command you? Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1: 9, NIV)

The Eternal is close to the broken heart and saves those who are crushed in the spirit. (Psalm 34:18, NIV)

So do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be discouraged, because I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will support you with my right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

"Because I know the plans I have for you," says the Eternal, "plans to thrive and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will invoke me and come to pray to me, and I will listen to You. "(Jeremiah 29: 11-12, NIV)

And I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, so that he can stay with you forever; (John 14:16, KJV)

(Jesus said) "And surely I am always with you, until the end of time." (Matthew 28:20, NIV)

Because we live by faith, not by vision. (2 Corinthians, 5: 7, NIV)

[Editor's note: This article simply aims to answer the question: What does the Bible say about depression? It is not designed to diagnose symptoms and discuss treatment options for depression. In the event of severe, debilitating or prolonged depression, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or consultant.]