How to Overcome Negative Emotions and Feelings
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If you struggle with depression, you’re not alone.
Millions of people throughout history have labored under the dark cloud of depression, including many “heroes” in the Bible. Moses, Elijah, David, Jeremiah, all went through periods of deep darkness.
God’s people are not exempt from suffering.
Thankfully, there are many Bible verses for depression. In the midst of the valley, God wants you to have hope. He wants you to know that He hasn’t left you and that He still deeply loves you.
As Pastor Adrian Rogers says in his book Mastering Your Emotions:
All kinds of winds blow upon our lives. Fires burn out of control: pressure, anxiety, and fear of what may happen. Tune in to God. Get alone with Him in quietness and confidence. Possess your sanity and equilibrium through Him.
Use these Bible verses for depression to encourage you when you feel heavily burdened.
(Note: If you are considering harming yourself in any way, please call the *National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, counselors are available to talk now)
*Not Affiliated with Adrian Rogers and Love Worth Finding Ministries
Deuteronomy 31
And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Even though you may feel alone, you are never alone. God is with you every step of the way.
He will never leave you or forsake you or abandon you. He is holding on to you even when you feel like you can’t hold on to Him. Because He is with you, you can be free from the fear and dismay that weighs you down.
Psalm 34
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles (Psalm 34:17).
God hears every word you say to Him. Your prayers do not fall on deaf ears. Even if your prayers are weak and feeble, God responds to them. And when the time is right, He will deliver you from your troubles. Some day, you will be able to look back and see how God rescued you. Until then, continue to cry out to your Father who loves you.
Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord (Psalm 40:1-3)
Wait patiently for the Lord in the midst of your depression.
He isn’t absent or far off. Bring all your burdens and weights to Him. Tell Him all the things that weigh you down and cause you sorrow. He will bring you out of the “pit” you’re in, set your feet upon a rock, and establish your steps. Though you may not feel like singing now, He’s going to put a song in your heart and mouth.
Helpful Tools and Resources on Patience
More Patience in 2 Easy Steps
In this study of the Word of God, you will see some of the qualities of the Bible that can be said of no other book. If you do not love, know, understand, practice, and obey the Word of God, you cannot be a victorious Christian.
Psalm 3:3
But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head (Psalm 3:3).
God is your shield, which means nothing can get to you that has not first gone through God. Your life is not out of control because God Himself is protecting you. Though your head may be bowed down now under depression, God will lift you up.
Pastor Adrian Rogers said:
Don’t lose hope! God has a future filled with hope for you. God loves you and He’s going to meet the deepest needs of your heart. He’s going to turn your Calvary into an Easter and your heartache to a hallelujah.
So don’t let Satan blow out the candle of hope in your life. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without His notice. Though Christians are not immune to trials, tribulation, pain and suffering, take comfort in knowing God will see you through.
John 16
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
In Jesus, you can have true peace.
Though you may feel overwhelmed by tribulation, Jesus is not overwhelmed.
He has overcome the world and He is on your side. Though you may be walking through the darkness, He is walking ahead of you, leading the way.
Pastor Adrian Rogers said:
You are here, by God’s appointment. You are in His keeping, under His training, for His time. No matter what is happening, it’s not God’s final plan. However bleak your current circumstances currently, God is with you.
Helpful Tools about Negative Feelings and Emotions
Encouraging Bible Verses about Fear
God wants us to be totally free from fear. He wants us to live joyful, confident, trust-filled lives. To help us be rid of fear, He has given us many encouraging Bible verses about fear. When we believe and embrace these truths, fear flees. Fear can’t stand up to God’s promises.
Use these Bible verses about fear to strengthen and encourage you as you go through life.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).
God loves you so much and with such an intensity that nothing can separate you from that love. Depression can’t separate you from God. Sadness and heartache can’t cut you off from Him. Not even Satan can come between you and God. His love for you is stronger than anything in all of creation.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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 tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
God is your Father, and He is full of mercy and comfort.
In the midst of your depression, He longs to comfort you. Draw near to Him and He will pour out His mercies on you. As you gain comfort from God, you will be able to give that comfort to others who are also suffering.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Don’t be afraid or dismayed, for God Himself is with you. In your weakness, He will strengthen you. In your weariness, He will help you. When you feel like you are falling, lean all your weight on Him.
Pastor Adrian Rogers said:
In a dark world of despair, there shines the bright star of hope from an empty tomb. It is Easter that can turn every hurt into a hallelujah, every tear to a pearl, every midnight to a sunrise, and every Calvary to a resurrection. There is hope.
Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)
Are you feeling tired, weighed down, and burdened by your depression?
Jesus wants to give you His rest. Come to Him in your broken, wearied state and ask Him for divine rest and strength.
Ask Him to restore your soul and refresh your body. Instead of relying on your own strength, rely on the strength that Jesus provides.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).
Don’t let yourself be weighed down and crushed by your cares. If you try to carry everything yourself, you will find yourself completely spent. Instead, cast every care upon God, who cares so very much for you. He loves you and treasures you. You are incredibly valuable to Him.
Psalm 23:4
Yea, 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).
Even when things seem darkest - when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death itself - you don’t have to be afraid.
Why? Because God, your Shepherd is with me.
He goes ahead of you to lead the way. He goes behind to catch you when you stumble.
Pastor Adrian Rogers said:
"A good shepherd fights for his sheep. When you understand you may be weak like a sheep, but you have a compassionate, caring, courageous shepherd, it gives you security. He is the strong, Good Shepherd."
Don’t Give Up
Don’t give up in your battle against depression. Use the Bible verses for depression listed above to help you in your fight. Hold fast to them like you hold fast to a life preserver.
God has not and will not ever give up on you. Though it may be dark now, sunrise is coming. Keep going to God in the midst of your suffering. He is your hope and help and strength.
