Article

Scriptures to Combat Depression or Discouragement

The Bible is full of truths related to issues such as depression or discouragement. As believers, God gives us authority to use these truths as weapons to combat negative experiences, emotions or symptoms (see Ephesians 6:17).

Below are six of the most powerful Bible truths to battle depression or discouragement (in audio and text). With each scripture, I’ve also included a personalized Speak It! version so that you can experience the incredible benefits of speaking scripture aloud. A habit of speaking these scriptures with sincerity will help you experience freedom.

Follow Along with Spoken Scripture over Instrumental Music

Scriptural Truths

Psalm 3:3, ESV
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

Speak It!
God is my shield and my glory; He lifts my head high.

—

Psalm 30:11–12, ESV
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.

Speak It!
God has turned my mourning into dancing; He has clothed me with gladness. I am no longer sad, but I sing praises to God.

—

Isaiah 51:11, ESV
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Speak It!
God has rescued me; I am His child! Sadness and sorrow are gone. Gladness and joy are with me forever!

—

Isaiah 61:3, ESV
To those who mourn in Zion—[He gives] them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

Speak It!
God gives me beauty instead of ashes. He gives my joy instead of sorrow. He gives me praise instead of depression. God calls me righteous, and my life displays His glory.

—

2 Corinthians 1:3–4, ESV
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.

Speak It!
God is the Father of mercy and comfort, and He comforts me. When I feel troubled or sorrowed, He heals and restores me. I will provide comfort to others.

—

Philippians 4:8, ESV
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.

Speak It!
I cast negative thoughts from my mind. I focus on what is true and honorable. I focus on what is pure and lovely. I think about what is worthy of praise.