APP: Sad feelings of gloom can be caused by lots of different things. Depression can be brought on by never-ending boredom or a chemical imbalance that causes your mind and emotions to get messed up. A low mood can also be caused by a significant life event like the death of someone you love or your parents getting a divorce. You can feel depressed because of stress, low self-esteem, and even family history. Maybe a close relative has also struggled with feelings of inadequacy and dreariness. Beating depression starts by defining it—what’s causing you to have these feelings. But we also have to remember that there are times when we will feel down just because it’s a normal part of life. Maybe our depression is caused by being tired or stressed out because of real-life stuff happening. Even some people in the Bible struggled with depression. We are not alone if we have battled depression. The cool thing is that God doesn’t leave us on our own. He has some answers in His Word that can help and encourage us. It may take some time, but with God’s help we can leave the gloominess behind.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:8–9 NIV
Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.
PSALM 34:17 MSG
“When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
ISAIAH 43:2 RSV
Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.
ISAIAH 41:10 AMP
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.
1 PETER 5:6–7 ASV
He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
PSALM 147:3 RSV
Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who gives tender love. All comfort comes from him. He comforts us in all our troubles. Now we can comfort others when they are in trouble. We ourselves have received comfort from God.
2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–4 NIRV
Those who love your law have perfect security, and there is nothing that can make them fall.
PSALM 119:165 GNT
For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening 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 which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
ROMANS 8:38–39 AMP