Christian Help For Depression: 11 Keys For Victory

Depression is not a dirty word, and there is nothing to be ashamed of if you are dealing with it.

Sadly, many people deal with depression in one form or another. Depression sucks the life out of you. It hinders your life in many areas. If not dealt with, it has its way of digging in deeper and deeper. I have seen a loved one who never dealt with it because it was shameful for them. Then, in time, it developed into clinical depression.

Through my journey of struggling with depression, I have learned that victory comes through understanding what type of depression you are dealing with and applying both spiritual and practical solutions. The beautiful thing is that God has given us clear keys to walk in freedom.

If you're struggling with depression or know someone who is, what I'm about to share could be the very thing God uses to start your journey toward healing.

There is Christian help for depression.

WARNING: SEE MEDICAL DISCLAIMER BELOW

Types of Depression

As someone who has both experienced and ministered to people dealing with depression, I want to help you understand something critical: not all depression is the same. Over my years of personal experience, I've learned that understanding these differences isn't just helpful; it's essential for finding the right path to healing.

Proverbs 4:7 (NLT) tells us, "Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment." That's precisely why we need to understand these three distinct types of depression: spiritual, situational, and clinical/biological. Each one requires its approach and path to healing. The Key is following the Holy Spirit as He guides you to freedom.

Spiritual Depression

I have seen spiritual depression manifest in many different ways throughout my years of ministry and personal experience. Let me share with you what I've learned about this condition.

Spiritual depression is when your soul feels disconnected from God's presence, even though you know He is there. It's like having a dark cloud hovering over your spiritual life, making it difficult to feel the joy and peace Jesus promises us in John 14:27. I have experienced how it can drain the life out of your prayers, make reading the Bible feel empty, and leave you wondering if God is even listening.

The thing about spiritual depression is that it's different from clinical depression, though they can certainly overlap. I have had times when my spirit felt heavy and dry, even while everything was going well. It's that inner wrestle where your head knows God's promises, but your heart struggles to embrace them.

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) tells us, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." This is God's promise to us, even when walking through this spiritual valley. I can assure you that spiritual depression is not a sign of weak faith; even great men of God like David and Elijah experienced seasons of spiritual heaviness.

God doesn't want you to stay there. He has provided ways for us to walk through it and become stronger on the other side. Like any other spiritual battle, this shall pass as you lean into His presence and truth.

Situational Depression

In my life, I have had to deal with situational depression. I dealt with it more while running a business or working as a commissioned salesman. I can see that I wasn’t fully trusting God’s provisions for my family and me.

Situational depression is what happens when life throws something heavy at you; maybe it's losing a job, going through a divorce, or facing a significant life change that you didn't see coming. Unlike clinical depression, situational depression has a clear starting point that we can point to and say, "This is where things began to change."

Psalm 34:18 (NLT) reminds us, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." I have seen this verse come to life time and time again. He has always been there for me. Even when I couldn’t sense His presence. Then, looking back, I realized He was there the whole time. Always remember, God doesn't leave us alone in these seasons of struggle.

Let me be clear about something: situational depression is a response to abnormal circumstances in your life or a dramatic change. I remember allowing my business to add unneeded stress upon me. I wasn’t giving it to God and trusting in Him. I let the weight of financial pressure create a heaviness that affected every area of my life. The circumstances were temporary, but the impact felt real and heavy.

What makes situational depression different is that it typically lifts when the situation improves or when you've had time to adjust to the new change in your life. It's like what Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us: there is a season for everything. But the key is to learn to rely on the strength of God during these times.

Just because it's "situational" doesn't mean it's any less real or challenging than other forms of depression. The pain, the struggle, and the emotional weight are all very real, and they all deserve to be acknowledged and addressed with both spiritual wisdom and practical support.

Clinical/Biological Depression

As I mentioned in my introduction, I had a close family member who struggled with bipolar disorder, which gave me a front-row seat to understand clinical depression somewhat. While I haven't experienced it personally, I've seen how this type of depression is fundamentally different from other forms we've discussed.

Clinical depression, or what doctors call Major Depressive Disorder, is not just about feeling down or going through a tough season; it's a medical condition that affects your brain chemistry and function. Think of it like diabetes or high blood pressure; it's a physical condition that needs proper attention and care through spiritual means (faith in God’s healing power) and, if need be, through medical means as well.

What makes clinical depression different is that it's rooted in your biology. It can involve:

• Changes in brain chemistry and structure

• Genetic factors that run in families

• Hormonal imbalances that affect mood

• Physical changes in how your brain processes emotions

  
  

I have had to deal with spiritual and situational depression in my own life. But as a believer for over 35 years, I will 100% testify and say sickness and disease are not from God. The root of it is from satan. The Bible says that he comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He can bring sickness and health issues to our bodies through various means. This is another blog post, but God has answers for your healing and restoration. You have to believe that with everything inside of you.

For anyone reading this who struggles with clinical depression, I want you to know that God hasn't abandoned you. He's right there with you; sometimes, the path He provides for healing includes spiritual and medical support.

The 11 Keys: Christian Help for Depression

As I said in the introduction, I have dealt with depression on different levels, some more so than others. I began to recognize my battle with depression in my early years as a business owner. I witnessed how anxiety and worry would only fuel and make it worse. It was a constant battle that I was facing.

Everything changed for me when I bought a book at our church, “The Promises of God.” It was filled with scriptures categorized according to what you are going through. I chewed on that book by memorizing and repeating the scriptures repeatedly. I focused on scriptures that dealt with my situation at that given moment, like worry, anxiety, doubt, fear, and others.

Then I got a hold of a book by Joyce Meyer, “Battlefield of the Mind.” This radically changed everything for me. I started applying the principles within the book, and I began to see myself walking in freedom.

I praise God for showing me in the early stages as a believer how to walk free from depression. Since then, I have stayed ahead of it throughout my Christian walk. I’m not saying it has been free and easy. I have had to keep the principles the Lord shared with me constantly before me.

As you continue to read, I pray that the Lord will show you His plan. I can promise this to you: He doesn’t have depression for you. He wants you to walk in joy and peace.

1. Acknowledge Something is Off

John 14:27 (NLT) — 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

This is a promise from Jesus that He will give us peace. He doesn’t want us troubled or afraid. They are a byproduct of the enemy or us not trusting in God. Peace is yours if you choose to walk in it. The Lord will not force you to walk in it, but you must do your part.

I have lived in peace for so long now that I expect to walk in it daily. We shouldn’t accept anything less. When I am not walking in peace, a red flag will pop up in my spirit. I will take note of it. I will ask God what is going on. Why am I not walking in peace? Then, the Holy Spirit will show me what is wrong so that I can make the necessary corrections.

This is what you must do. You need to demand of yourself to walk in peace. The peace that Jesus Christ offers us. Make having it in your life a priority.

We must be willing to accept that we may be struggling with depression. It is nothing to be ashamed of. If you are unwilling to acknowledge it, you cannot take the steps needed to be free.

Don’t let yourself be hindered by pride. Come to terms that you may be struggling with depression in your life.

2. You Must Maintain a Proper Perspective

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) — 1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

Years ago, my pastor taught me something that I still live by. What you are going through at this given moment in your life is only a season, and this, too, shall pass.

He meant that if you are going through a difficult time, remember it is only temporary. Hold your head up high and put your complete trust in God. He will see you through. This can also be applied in many other areas of your life, not just when facing difficult situations.

There was a time in my life when I was going through a tough time. I was begging God to take my life. I didn’t want to live anymore. My perspective was so skewed at that time. I was blinded by my troubles and couldn’t see any reason to live. Fast forward to today, God has given me such a fantastic life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Isaiah 43:2 (NLT) — 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

During my difficulty, God never abandoned me. He was there the whole time, giving me the strength to live even when there were moments when I didn’t feel His presence. James 1:2-4 encourages us to face our trials with joy, knowing we will develop our faith and endurance. In time, we will be perfected and complete.

You have to keep the faith that your joy and peace will return. God will never leave you in your current condition. He loves you way too much. You have to remind yourself of His promises and written word. When I was going through that time in my life. I kept Bible scriptures before me throughout the day. I read them over and over.

Remember, our lives are only a vapor. Keep your life in proper perspective. Be patient as you walk out your journey. Whatever you are going through, it will pass.

3. Strengthen Your Spiritual Foundation

Luke 6:48 (NLT) — 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.

As a former building contractor, I can testify to the importance of building a strong foundation. The heavier or bigger the building, the stronger and more profound the foundation needs to be. As a missionary in Honduras, I will never forget building a church on the side of a hill. The size of the footers was enormous, but I can say this: the church is still standing. The same goes for building a strong spiritual foundation in your life.

To build this foundation, you must be intentional about it. You have to create habits in your life that is a must. You can’t allow anything else to stand in the way of them. In time, you will be able to withstand life's storms. What once put you into a tailspin of anxiety and depression, you will see yourself going right through storm after storm.

The habits I am talking about are the following:

• Maintain regular prayer life

• Study and meditate on Scripture

• Focus on God's promises

• Practice worship even when you don't feel like it

• Attend the local House of God

These are some that I can come up with. I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to help you find other healthy habits to build your spiritual foundation.

4. Guard Over Your Heart

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) — 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

I live by a saying I heard years ago, “garbage in, garbage out, glory in, glory out.” Whatever you allow in your mind will determine your path for life. If you allow garbage in your mind, you will have garbage results, and it goes the same for your glory.

You have to protect every area of your life. This is the TV shows and movies you watch. To the music and podcasts you listen to. Even the social media and news that you consume. This world is filled with entertainment and information that will develop a war in your mind.

I am very strict about what I allow myself to partake of. I desire to have a glorious result in my life. I want what God has for me. I have to have peace in my mind and spirit. This requires me to guard my heart constantly.

I have an app on my phone to manage how much time I spend looking at specific apps, such as news and Twitter. I don’t even have Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok on my phone. I have a filter on my phone and computer that won’t permit me to look at certain websites. I even go as far as not to watch sex or listen to cursing on TV or while watching movies.

This is extreme, but if you genuinely want to be free, you must take drastic measures.

5. Implement Practical Spiritual Disciplines

Hebrews 12:11 (NLT) — 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Creating a list of habits to implement in your life is excellent, but if you don’t have the discipline to get started and be consistent, they are all for nothing.

I don’t know about you; I can get lazy like all others. Sometimes, I want to push things off and not perform as I should. For example, I am writing this blog right now. I didn’t want to take the time today. I have other pressing issues, but I forced myself to sit down and write. Why? Because I committed to God to consistently write, I remind myself of it.

As Hebrews 12:1 says, it’s not enjoyable sometimes, but doing so is a reward. Because of my commitment, I am now seeing approximately eight to ten thousand people come to read my blogs each month. Knowing that God is using me to touch people’s lives for His son, Jesus, is a joy.

One thing I can’t do is brag about myself. I give all credit to God working in my life through the Holy Spirit. As I want to get slack in fulfilling those things I have said I would do, He has nudged me along the way. He has strengthened me to run that race the Lord has placed before me. You have to find yourself leaning on Him daily. As you do, you will find yourself getting more and more disciplined in your life.

6. Come Against Negative Thoughts

Philippians 4:8–9 (NLT) — 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then, the God of peace will be with you.

If you read “Battlefield of the Mind,” you will find out that your mind is the place where the devil will try to place his war against you. If you allow him, he will flood your mind with thoughts all day long. If you take the bait, he will do it more so.

The Bible is clear in 2 Cor 10:5: we must constantly captivate and destroy thoughts contrary to God’s Word. We must replace those thoughts with God’s Words. We do this by reading and knowing what the Bible says.

When I was battling depression, it was while I was a young business owner. All new businesses have to deal with starting up, getting clients, and having a consistent cash flow. I struggled in this area because I constantly worried about money and having enough jobs to pay the bills. The truth is that I didn’t have faith in God.

I battled this by memorizing scripture and reminding myself of God’s promises. As I did this, faith rose in my heart. I started to see God moving in my business in a significant way. That was over 30 years ago. He proved Himself to be faithful according to His promises. Today, I don’t even think about it. I know He will provide.

As Philippians 4:8-9 says, you have to manage your thought life. Whatever area you struggle in, you can apply God’s Word and overcome the enemy in your thought life. Philippians tells us to practice and fix our thoughts. This takes intentionality. As you do, you will recondition your mind to think in line with God’s Word.

Make yourself think about what is:

• true

• honorable

• right

• pure

• lovely

• admirable

• excellent

• worthy of praise

7. Put Into Practice Self-Care

Having victory over depression is not all about the spiritual aspect. We have to consider our physical selves as well. God designed our bodies and minds. We are expected to honor our temple. The Bible is very clear. Properly caring for our bodies will allow us to run our race for the Kingdom of God. If we don’t, we will soon find ourselves sick and broken.

One thing I noticed about my father, which has done me well, was that he knew how to work hard and rest. Over the years, I have maintained a balance in my life. I have no problem burning the midnight oil, but listen when my body calls for rest.

Then there is exercising regularly. You can read article after article stating that just 30 minutes of exercise a day can do your body well. This can be walking during your lunch break. I get up around 5 in the morning to pray, read the Bible, write, and then exercise before going to work.

One thing the Bible addresses is gluttony. Overeating and eating the wrong types of foods can seriously hinder, if not destroy, your physical body, but it can cause issues with your mental health as well.

Years ago, I would consume many wrong foods in my life, ignoring the signs from my body. Then, one morning, the Lord woke me up and told me to get my blood pressure checked. I went to our local doctor. They couldn’t believe my blood pressure, and I had no symptoms like seeing black spots or dizziness. It was extremely high.

Long story short, that has put me on a journey for over eight years of eating right. Today, I am extremely disciplined in my eating habits. I am very careful about my weight. This has changed my life not only physically but my mental health as well.

Consider activities that will help you find joy in life. I love being with my wife. We enjoy bike riding. Weekly, we like loading up our bikes on the car and just taking off to go somewhere to ride our bikes. This activity has turned into a fond memory for us. Also, this spring, we plan on taking up camping.

You will reap its benefits when you start applying healthy activities to your life and maintaining balance. You will start looking forward to life in and of itself. Ask the Holy Spirit what you should start doing. Do it little by little. You never know where it will take you.

8. Have a Support System

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NLT) — 9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

I can’t even begin to stress the importance of having godly friends and loved ones in your life so they can encourage you through the Lord. Many people who are struggling tend to isolate themselves for many reasons. I firmly believe that will only fuel your mental health issues and not help in the healing process.

I can distinctly remember one of the most challenging times in my life. People surrounded me and helped me through the pain of it. They never belittled me or pushed me away. Their doors were always open to me, giving me the time I needed to share with them from my heart what I was going through. Because of these people, my life was saved from taking a very dark turn.

Make sure you are connecting with someone who knows God. The last thing you want is to get advice from people from the world. They only know what the world has taught them. You need advice from biblically wise people who can lead you through God’s Word to gain insight into your situation.

9. Go Out and Help Others

1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) — 10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

When many are dealing with depression, they are inner-focused. They have the "What About Me Attitude." They want help for their situation and are not concerned for others. This and isolation will feed off each other, compounding the problems.

As we can see in God’s Word, He gives us gifts that we can use for His Kingdom to serve and be a blessing to others. There is something about being used by God and how it can transform our lives so that it radically changes our outlook.

As I mentioned, I had a family member who suffered from clinical mental illness. They sat in their chair in front of the TV day in and day out. One day, I told them they should go to the house of God to volunteer and help out. That went in one ear and out the other. They were not interested in doing so.

When I went through that challenging time in my life, and I was dealing with depression, I knew right away that I needed to get to the house of God to serve and to be a blessing to others around me. You know what? That helped pull me out of my mental state. The circumstances didn’t change, but my outlook did.

Another beautiful thing about life is that we all deal with struggles. We can use those struggles to minister to someone else. We encourage them to understand that it is only a season, and the Lord will see them through. Hearing your testimony on how God delivered you will give them hope for their situation.

I encourage anyone suffering from depression to force yourself to focus outward instead of inward.

10. Create an Action Plan to Get It Done

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) — 9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

To be free from depression, you can’t hip-shoot it. Hip shooting is when you just hope to hit the target while spraying bullets from your weapon. You may gain immediate victory, but I believe you will be back in the same position. You will most likely find yourself in a cycle of depression. The old saying is true: If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.

We need to partner ourselves with the Lord to overcome depression. The Word is clear: you can plan your path, but the Lord will determine your steps if you allow Him to do so.

I can assure you that Father God doesn't want you dealing with depression. He has joy and peace for you. You have to trust Him and seek the Holy Spirit for guidance. Just as He gave me a plan to have victory over depression, He will give you one as well. The Bible promises us in Proverbs 16.3 as we commit our works to the Lord, He will establish our plans.

Not only will you need to make practical changes such as getting a better night's sleep, managing your thought life, eating properly, and exercising, but you will also have to seek to make adjustments in your spiritual walk.

I can look back over the years and see how I have progressed dramatically in my life by working with the Lord. Dealing with depression was all too common for me in my past, and now, today, it’s something I rarely ever deal with.

When developing your action plan, consider the following:

• Set small, achievable goals

• Establish daily routines

• Make lifestyle changes

• Track progress

• Adjust strategies as needed

11. Seek Professional Help When Needed

Finally, never forget that you are not on an island alone. God has placed people in our lives for a reason. We have to allow them to speak into our lives. We may not like hearing their words. I get it; I have been there before. When I learned to shut up and listen, I saw tremendous healing. I have one Christian friend I go to periodically; he doesn’t pull any punches whatsoever, but 95% of the time, he speaks much truth.

But then there are those moments in our lives when we may need more help than just a friend or family member. We must recognize that seeking help isn’t a lack of faith. There is nothing embarrassing to cry out and say you need help.

Now, I would be cautious about where you get your help from. Never would I go to the world for mental health. I know I may get some blowback on this, but I believe there are plenty of God-loving men and women of God who are professionally trained to help with mental health. They can speak from a practical, educated understanding while using biblical principles.

Listed below are the steps I would take to seek professional help:

• In-house church counseling

• Pastoral or church leadership

• Consult Christian counselors

• Talk to a Christian therapist and psychologist

• Consider medical evaluation

A Final Word of Encouragement

As we wrap up this discussion on depression, I want you to remember something vital: God hasn't accidentally brought you to this blog. I've shared these keys with you because I've seen them work, not just in my life but in the lives of countless others.

Remember what Isaiah 61:3 (NLT) tells us, "He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair." I can testify that this promise is true. The same God who lifted me from depression and brought me into freedom stands ready to do the same for you.

Don't try to walk this journey alone. Apply these keys to your life, and most importantly, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. He hasn't forgotten you, and this season of darkness isn't your final destination; it's just part of your testimony in the making.

Devotional Questions

1. Personal Reflection: "I have lived in peace so much that I accept it as normal. A red flag will pop up in my spirit when I am not walking in peace." Take a moment to reflect - what red flags indicate you're moving away from God's peace in your life? Write them down and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what adjustments you need to make.

2. Scripture Application: In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul gives us a clear list of what to think about - "what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise." Choose one area where your thoughts have been struggling lately. How can you practically apply this verse to transform your thinking in that specific area?

3. Action Steps: Throughout this blog, I stress that overcoming depression requires both spiritual and practical steps. Looking at the action plan section, which one specific step (spiritual or practical) is God highlighting for you right now? What's your first move to implement this in your daily life?

Scriptures For Encouragement

Psalm 42:5 (NLT) — 5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and

Psalm 130:1–2 (NLT) — 1 From the depths of despair, O LORD, I call for your help. 2 Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer.

Psalm 94:19 (NLT) — 19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Proverbs 12:25 (NLT) — 25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Matthew 6:34 (NLT) — 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT) — 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 6:2 (NLT) — 2 Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.

Isaiah 40:28–31 (NLT) — 28 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. 29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. 30 Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Psalm 23:4 (NLT) — 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Romans 8:28 (NLT) — 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NLT) — 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. How to find a Christian therapist or counselor?

Finding a Christian therapist or counselor requires a combination of faith and practicality. Start with prayer, asking God for guidance and clarity. James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God." He will lead you to the right person who understands your struggles and beliefs. God will show you what level of help you need.

Seek recommendations from your church community or close friends who share your faith. The body of Christ is designed to support one another. Having trusted people involved can help steer you toward professionals who resonate with your Christian faith.

When my family member struggled with depression, the first thing we did was go to the pastor of our church. Through counseling, he recommended a Christian therapist. During those therapy sessions, it was determined that they needed more medical help. In time, as we sought God, we got them the help they needed.

2. How to help a Christian friend with depression?

Feeling down can be heavy, and if a friend is struggling with depression, your support can be a beacon of hope. Just as Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “carry each other’s burdens,” your presence alone can be uplifting. Sometimes, simply being there to listen without judgment can make a world of difference. Prayer can also be powerful, so consider praying together.

As Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

Encourage your friend to seek pastoral or professional help. Therapy doesn’t mean a lack of faith; it can be a tool God uses to bring healing. James 5:16 gives us a beautiful reminder: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Being open to discussing mental health can lead to finding a supportive community and nurturing friendships that mirror God’s love.

Send them a positive message or scripture regularly to fill their mind with hope. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about what is true, noble, and right. Remind them they are never alone, for Romans 15:13 tells us that "the God of hope fills us with joy and peace." Let your friend know that love remains stronger even in the darkest times, and healing is always possible with faith and support.

I will never forget a time in my life when I was going through a rough spot. I confided with my friend about what I was dealing with. He stuck with me the entire way. Even with his busy schedule, he found the time to message me to see how I was doing. That meant the world to me.

You will never know what a simple gesture will mean to those around you who may be dealing with depression.

3. How to pray for someone with depression?

Feeling burdened about a friend struggling with depression? Watching someone you care about go through such darkness is tough. When you pray for them, think of Philippians 4:6-7. It says not to worry but instead present your requests to God, who will give peace that surpasses understanding. As you pray, lift them up, asking for healing and hope in their hearts.

Remember to pray for their strength and courage. Ephesians 3:16 tells us that God can empower them with inner strength through His Spirit. Yes, praying for their spirit to be nourished can make a real difference. Help them feel God’s presence and assurance that they are never alone, even in their most challenging times.

Ultimately, your prayers can be a powerful lifeline. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God is close to the broken-hearted. When you intercede for them, focus on His love and mercy that can restore hope. Your heartfelt prayers connect you to them and remind you both of the unshakeable support found in faith.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:

This blog content is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional spiritual or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified counselor or healthcare provider with questions regarding your mental health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact emergency services immediately or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

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Shawn Paul is an author who lives in Kentucky. He is passionate about living for Jesus Christ and inspiring others to do the same, which is the focus of his blog, where he shares Biblical topics to help your walk with the Lord.

Shawn enjoys spending time with his wife of 38 years. Bicycling is one of their favorite pastimes. They also have two daughters and 4 grandkids.

As a writer, Shawn's unique perspective and passion for his faith shine through in his work. It is his desire to impact people for the Gospel around the world in various ways.