It happens to everyone. Sometimes deep and dark. Sometimes long… or short.

Depression. The blues. Off your game. Sad. Lonely.

You are not the first, nor will you be the last. Even believers sometimes battle these feelings.

And sometimes our spiritual leaders fight this battle. 

So what can we do to encourage, help, support those going through this battle?

Remind each other that Elijah, David, Solomon, and Paul battled depression and the blues. They too got discouraged.

Here are a few verses I use to speak truth into those finding themselves in a hard place. These words are true, even when we do not feel them. So hang on to truth. Memorize them. Share them. 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-6)

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

Of course, there are many other verses that speak into this, but these are just the ones I find myself using over and over.

May the words of God give you peace and comfort. May he use us as leaders to speak into the lives of those in our community of faith who wrestle the demons of depression.

God means for His word to be shared, so use these verses with those in your life who are fighting the temptation to surrender to depression.  

Listen. Walk alongside. Speak truth. If they need more than spiritual counseling, help them find professional help. 

And pray with them and for them.

No believer has to do this life alone.