Scriptures That Shine Light in the Darkness—Here Are 35 Bible Verses for Depression

According to the World Health Organization, "Globally, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression." And although this is an unfortunately common illness worldwide, individuals often feel like there is nowhere to turn or nothing to bring relief. However, scripture can absolutely help point us in the right direction, toward our Creator who truly cares for us and understands our pain. That's why we're sharing 35 Bible verses for depression—because we know they'll help you feel less alone.

C.S. Lewis has said, "Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also harder to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say 'My tooth is aching' than to say 'My heart is broken.'" There are numerous forms of depression such as clinical depression, seasonal depression, postpartum depression, and more. If you are suffering from depression and are looking for help, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) national helpline is 1-800-662-HELP.

Even if you are fortunate enough to not suffer from depression in any form yourself, at least one person close to you is likely struggling with this mental health disorder. It can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is depressed, but the Bible is filled with not only hope, but also relatable, an honest lament for seasons of hardship, turmoil, and pain.

So, while there isn't one easy fix, these 35 Bible verses for depression will hopefully bring comfort to anyone who needs to be reminded that we're not alone in our discouragement and very real trials, and we're also simply not alone thanks to God's omniscient presence beside us at all times.

Related: 105 Powerful Suicide Prevention Quotes That May Help You or a Loved One

35 Bible Verses for Depression

1. "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." — Romans 8:26

2. "Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." — Psalm 143:7-8

3. "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." — Psalm 30:5

4. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." — Psalm 23:4

5. "The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." — Psalm 9:9

6. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18

7. "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." — Deuteronomy 31:8

8. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” — Revelation 21:4

9. "A prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord. Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you! Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call! For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread." — Psalm 102:1-4

10. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." — Romans 15:13

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11. "'They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the Lord.” — Jeremiah 1:19

12. "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.” — Matthew 11:28-30

13. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." — Psalm 147:3

14. "My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, 'Where is your God?'" — Psalm 42:3

15. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." — Isaiah 41:10

16. "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

17. "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." — Romans 8:38-39

Related: 25 Bible Verses About Hope

18. "You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak." — Psalm 77:4

19. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." — Philippians 4:8

20. "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." — John 14:18

21. "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." — Psalm 40:2

22. "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

23. "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." — Isaiah 26:3

24. "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." — Proverbs 12:25

25. "For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness." — 2 Samuel 22:29

Related: 50+ Bible Verses About Faith

26. "I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us. Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord." — Habakkuk 3:16-18

27. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6

28. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

29. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." — Philippians 4:13

30. "But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." — Psalm 3:3

31. "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." — Isaiah 40:31

32. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." — John 10:10

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33. "Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:6-7

34. "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." — 1 Peter 5:7

35. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.'" — Jeremiah 29:11

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