Depression originates from physical causes or sin. Sickness, allergies, hormonal imbalances or fatigue can contribute to a depressing outlook on life. Always consider these possibilities before assuming that you have a spiritual problem. During these times of physical struggle it is very important to fully trust in God and have faith in the promises He has given in His Word.

Depression can also be a consequence of sin. Guilt, bitterness or rebellion leads to discouragement and despair. During these times we must accept God's sovereignty, not resisting the trials God allows to take place in our lives.

1. Study God's Word

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Luke 11:28
Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

John 13:17
If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Jeremiah 15:16
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

2. Acknowledge and deal with sin

Psalm 32:1-2, 5
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Psalm 38:17-18
For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. 3. Pray

James 5:13
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Psalm 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

4. Be thankful and praise the Lord in all things

Psalm 40:3
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

5. Do something for someone and be careful not to neglect your responsibilities. This will take great strength.

Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

John 13:14-17
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

6. Study Biblical examples of those who were in despair

David - Psalms
Hannah - I Samuel 1 & 2
Elijah - I Kings 19
Hagar - Genesis: 21:15-16
Saul - I Samuel 28

7. Be encouraged by the following verses:

Psalm 147:3
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Psalm 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Psalm 119:28
My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

Psalm 51:7-9, 12
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Psalm 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 61:2
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 69:29
But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.

Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

II Thessalonians 3:13
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.