What Bible passages will help me in my depression?

A lot of depression is caused by a chemical or hormonal imbalance. Check with your doctor first if you are depressed for longer than 2 weeks.

There are Bible passages that will help you spiritually. The 23rd Psalm is a very familiar passage.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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 23:1-4

In the 1st verse the writer of this psalm, David, opens this passage with a strong affirmation that forms the theme of the first half of this psalm. The psalmist tells us that because God is our shepherd, we have everything we need to give us the joy and peace that we all long for. Even in difficult situations or when people turn against us, we can never have the joy that God promises until we can say,” The Lord is my shepherd, He is all I want.”

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Verses 2-3a

David goes on to explain how the Good Shepherd satisfies our needs. God satisfies our needs for rest and the restoration of our souls. Why do sheep need green pastures? Because that is what they feed on. And once they have fed, sheep lie down and rest. Why do sheep need quiet waters? Because they are easily frightened by splashing running water. They can drink only from still waters. What are we to feed upon, drink and rest ourselves upon? The Lord Himself and His Word. God is the resource in whom we are to eat, drink and rest.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Verse 3b

As we all know, sheep tend to go astray. They need a shepherd to guide them along the right paths; a shepherd who knows where the dangerous cliffs are; where the good, pastures are found and where the pools of still, quiet waters await. The sheep know they can trust the wise guidance of the Good Shepherd. The psalmist says, ”for his name’s sake.” That’s His seal, His guarantee. God’s has promised to lead and guide us, and He has put His reputation on the line. God faithfully keeps His promises, we have His name on it.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Verse 4a

In the original Hebrew language, “ the valley of the shadow of death”, conveys a sense of deep, impenetrable darkness.. Sorrow, betrayal, fear or hurt could be your impenetrable darkness.

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Verse 4b

David goes on to write about two tools that shepherds use in the care of their sheep: the rod and the staff. The rod was a pole used as a weapon to fight off predatory animals. It was a comfort to the sheep because the shepherd used it to protect them. The staff was also a pole, but it was fashioned with a hook at the end. The shepherd used the staff to guide the sheep by touching the sheep and it was also used to pull the sheep if the animal was caught in thickets. Are the rod and staff symbols? And if they are symbols would the rod symbolize the Word of God and the staff the Holy Spirit? These are God’s tools of guidance, protection and comfort in our lives.