There are many things in this world that can bring us down. Losing a loved one or witnessing the end of a friendship can break our hearts. When your heart is heavy, you must leave room for healing. Talk to God about what’s going on in your life. Tell God how you feel, your worries, and your concerns (1 Peter 5:7).
What’s making you feel depressed right now? Perhaps you’ve been hurt by a family member or a co-worker told you “you’re not good enough”? Offer these feelings to God today. After you talk to God in prayer, find encouragement from these five inspirational quotes and prayers. They will bring hope and peace to your heart.
1. Absence of a loved one
“Her absence is like the sky, pervasive in everything” (CS Lewis, A Grief Observed).
When my mother passed away, my entire world shattered. My mother was my lifeline. Someone you can always rely on. But now she was gone and I felt all alone. After losing a loved one, our hearts are often plagued by depression and sadness. As CS Lewis puts it so beautifully, their absence is everywhere.
I miss them everywhere I go. Different places, songs, and items remind you of them. The pain is indescribable. As we struggle with the depression caused by the death of a loved one, we can turn to the Lord, find comfort in His love, and rest in the promise that we will meet again.
All who believe in Jesus will be reunited in heaven. Allow this truth to bring you peace during this trying time. It won’t completely heal this heartache, but it will help you process what happened. With time and healing, life begins again.
Dear Jesus, the absence of a loved one is sometimes too much for me to bear. It’s very nostalgic. Their absence follows me wherever I go. Let me remind you that my sadness is a reflection of my love for them. They live on in my heart and I will see them again in heaven. In your name we pray, amen.
2. The Peace of Jesus
“I know, probably as much as anyone, what it means to be depressed, to feel yourself going lower and lower. And yet, even at my worst, when I reach rock bottom, I find an inner peace that pain and depression cannot disturb in the slightest. As I trust in my Savior, Jesus Christ, there still remains a blessed calm in the deep caverns of my soul.” (Charles Spurgeon)
Spergron is known to have suffered from depression, anxiety, and panic throughout his life. When we struggle with a depressed heart, it is comforting to know that other Christians have walked this path before us. Spurgeon reminds us of the peace that Jesus brings.
Even when we hit rock bottom, knowing Jesus gives us peace of mind. Even depression cannot destroy this peace. Knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord reaches to the deepest parts of our souls. It has the power to illuminate the darkest nights and restore hope to our hearts.
Dear Jesus, the depressed heart within me longs for your peace. In my inner being, I know that You fill me with Your peace, love, hope, and encouragement. Depression may try to consume me, but I know that you will help me walk through the darkest valley. Thank you, Lord, for walking beside me. Amen.
3. The beauty of kindness
“It turns out that it is the small, everyday acts of ordinary people that keep the darkness away. Small acts of kindness and love” (Gandalf).
Gandalf is the beloved wizard from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies. Small acts of kindness from others can soothe your soul when you’re feeling down. Think about how you would feel if someone went out of their way to be nice to you. Perhaps a friend stopped by to spend the afternoon with you, or your grandma came to take care of you after surgery.
Acts of kindness make a big difference. Even a smile or a kind word can have a huge impact on someone’s life. Try radiating this same light to others. You may be feeling overly depressed right now, but don’t let it hinder your spirit. Let the Holy Spirit work within you, leading you to acts of kindness, love, and encouragement.
Dear God, I feel so good when people are friendly to me. Even the smallest act of kindness can bring a smile to my face. Please help me notice acts of kindness around me. We also ask that you help us be more kind to others in our daily lives. When they look at me, I want them to look at you. Amen. “
4. The only way out is through.
“The best solution is always passing” (Robert Frost, From Servant to Servant).
Robert Frost is a famous poet who struggled with depression throughout his life. His sister and daughter both suffered from schizophrenia and were institutionalized. Frost is no stranger to depressed hearts, which is well demonstrated through his poetry.
In his book, A Servant to Servants, you will find motivation to overcome depression. The only way to get out of a depressive episode or flare-up is to do it. We must trust in the Lord as we get through this season. We can rely on the truth that God will lead us to the other side.
Do you believe this in your own life? Do you really believe that God can do anything? Contest every question with Biblical truth. God can do greater things than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Dear God, my depressed heart feels heavy. Some days I don’t want to get out of bed. Motivate yourself to remember that the only way out is through. No one but me can take the first step toward healing. Continue to bless me with your presence as I walk the path of healing. Amen.
5. Praise God even when you’re hurting.
“Even if I lose my strength/I’ll praise you/Even if I lose my song/I’ll praise you” (Hillsong United’s “Even When It Hurts”).
The lyrics of this song by Hillsong United encourage us to praise God even when we are hurting. This can be difficult when dealing with a depressed heart, but it can help you grow in your relationship with God. Even if we lose everything, we can still turn to the Lord with praise.
This reflects Habakkuk 3:17-18. “Even though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, even though the olives fail and there is no food in the fields, even though there are no sheep in the fold or cattle in the stalls, I will rejoice in the Lord, and I will rejoice in God my Savior.” Find hope in God during these difficult times and watch your faith grow stronger.
Dear Jesus, I choose to sing praises to You with all my heart today. You are good, holy, and righteous. Keep my eyes focused on you even when all seems lost. Lord, I trust you in everything. You are our Good Shepherd. Amen.
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Vivian Bricker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and then a Master of Arts with an emphasis in Theology. She loves theology, ministry, and all things helping others learn about Jesus. For more of her content, visit Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
