Psalm 34:18
“Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.” (WEB)
God draws especially near in our lowest moments, not far away.
Bible Verses About Depression and Sadness
Depression can make God feel far away, but Scripture meets us honestly in the dark. The Psalms give words to deep sadness while pointing to the God who is near the brokenhearted. If you are struggling, please also reach out to a trusted person, a pastor, or a doctor.
Psalm 42:11
“Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.” (WEB)
An honest prayer that preaches hope to your own downcast soul.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” (WEB)
Jesus invites the weary and weighed-down to bring it all to him.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.” (WEB)
God tends to inner wounds as carefully as a physician.
Isaiah 41:10
“Don't be afraid, for I am with you... I will strengthen you.” God's promise to hold us up.
Psalm 40:1-2
God lifts us “out of a horrible pit” and sets our feet on a rock, a picture of being raised from despair.
Applying these verses
On the hardest days, Psalm 42 models speaking truth to your own soul: naming the despair honestly, then turning it toward hope in God. Reading a Psalm slowly, even when you don't feel it, is a way of holding on. And reaching out for help, from people and from God, is itself an act of faith, not a failure of it.
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Open Verse FinderFrequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about depression?
The Bible doesn't shame sadness; it gives it honest words, especially in the Psalms, and points to a God who is near the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and invites the weary to find rest in him (Matthew 11:28). Many faithful people in Scripture, including David, Elijah and Job, wrestled with deep despair.
What is a good Bible verse for sadness?
Psalm 34:18 (“Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart”) and Matthew 11:28 (“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest”) are two of the most comforting.
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