Examples of Depression in the Bible

The Bible is full of wisdom. It contains numerous examples of people chosen by God with the same weaknesses and sins that we experience today. Lust, anger, and depression in the Bible are shown to help us realize that God is with us just like He was with those people long ago.

When we study God’s word, we learn how to apply its principles to our lives. Most people experience depression at some level in life. Call for assistance immediately if you are in a season of depression and need help or have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Causes of Depression

Depression can occur for various reasons:

• A chemical imbalance
• A hormonal imbalance
• Trauma
• Grief or loss
• Coexisting with another mental disorder
• Other people’s actions
• Bad decisions and consequences

Depression can also seem to come out of nowhere and last for weeks or months. You will see that the people who experienced depression in the Bible had it for numerous reasons, many a matter of life and death.

Examples of Depression in the Bible

The examples of people struggling with depression in the Bible experience different forms of the condition. Some experience mild symptoms of feeling downcast and burdened, while others show a severe form.

Elijah

Elijah was known as a great prophet for God and once stood up against 450 prophets of Baal, as God gave a spectacular display of His power. But after such a massive victory for God, Elijah began to suffer burnout and exhaustion. On top of this, Queen Jezebel wanted him dead, forcing him into hiding. While he squirreled away from his enemies, he was left alone with his thoughts.

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” – 1 Kings 19:3-4, NIV

Thank God that He did not grant Elijah’s request. Have you ever said those words to God? Thought those words? Instead, God provided for Elijah during a season of rest. Then He reminded Elijah that not only was He the God of the wind, the earthquake, and the fire, but He was the God of the still voice, the gentle whisper.

Amid your pain and hurt, can you hear God’s still voice, His gentle whisper, asking you, “What are you doing here?” God does not want us to stay stuck in depression.

Jeremiah

God chose Jeremiah before he was even formed in his mother’s womb. God set him apart from others, just like He does all of His chosen. Jeremiah was tasked with the dangerous mission of telling his people about God and warning them to turn from sin. Jeremiah faced rejection and ridicule. If you have ever faced mockers, then you know what they can do to your mental health; it can leave you depressed and ashamed.

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5, NIV

Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed…Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame? – Jeremiah 20:14,18, NIV

Although Jeremiah cried and lamented to God about his loneliness and sorrow, he also admitted that he could not keep quiet about God and what He had done.

But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. – Jeremiah 20:9, NIV

Jeremiah pushed through his depression, and God used him to deliver prophecies to Babylon on behalf of the people of Israel. He is a prime example of living through faith even when you may not feel like it or things are going the way you think they should.

David

The man after God’s own heart, David suffered times of betrayal, depression, and hurt. Some of these seasons were due to the actions of others. In some seasons, the depression stemmed from David’s own bad decisions and the consequences that followed. Yet, God never left David.

These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:4-5, NIV

Even during the most tumultuous times in his life, David turned to God with praise. He trusted God to do what would bring Him the most glory. Keeping his heart close to God saved David numerous times, even from himself. Praising God during depression can be difficult, but worshipping God means communing with His spirit, bringing joy and peace beyond understanding.

King Saul

Saul was an anointed king. However, Saul struggled with many things, including ego, jealousy, and arrogance. He disobeyed God and began to do whatever he wanted in his confidence as king.

Sometimes we assume that we are behind the good times in our lives and completely dismiss our blessings for what they are – products of God’s favor. God protects and blesses us by placing His hand over us, but eventually, God removed His hand from Saul and chose David to lead His people.

Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. – 1 Samuel 16:14, NIV

How far have you moved away from God? If you seek Him, He will turn back toward you and listen to your cries. Lift your voice to Him in praise and worship. David, who would later become king, played music for Saul during the King’s torment, and the evil spirit would leave.

Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. – 1 Samuel 16:23, NIV

A Little Help

The persistent sadness that marks depression can feel like it will never lift. You may feel hopeless and drained, but there is hope. God placed his people dealing with depression in the Bible as examples. Reach out to a Christian counselor today who can assess your symptoms and the severity of the condition. Together, you can make a plan to pull yourself out of the muck and mire of depression and back into the light.