Life can often feel overwhelming, leaving young hearts with sadness and worry. Finding hope and strength in God’s Word can be incredibly reassuring. The International Children’s Bible (ICB) provides accessible verses that remind us we are never alone. Here are 20 Bible verses to help overcome depression, offering comfort and courage during difficult times.
Here are 20 Bible verses for overcoming depression from the ICB translation that can offer comfort and strength when fighting depression:
The Lord is close to those who have broken hearts. He saves those whose spirits have been crushed.
Psalm 34:18 (ICB): God’s Nearness in Heartbreak
Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again. He is my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:11 (ICB): Choosing Hope in God
Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 (ICB): Fear Not, God Is With You
Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads. I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (ICB): Finding Rest in Jesus
Don’t worry about anything. But in everything, with prayer and with thanksgiving, ask God for what you need. And the peace of God, which is much greater than we can understand, will keep your hearts and your minds safe in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (ICB): Peace Beyond Understanding
So do not worry, because I am with you. Do not be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you. I will support you with my right hand that saves you.
Isaiah 41:10 (ICB): God’s Unfailing Strength
I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 (ICB): A Future Filled with Hope
We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God called, because that was his plan.
Romans 8:28 (ICB): God Works for Good
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who is full of mercy. He is the God who gives all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles. So we can comfort others who have the same troubles. We give them the same comfort God gave us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ICB): Comfort in All Troubles
I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble. But be brave! I have defeated the world.
John 16:33 (ICB): Courage in a Troubled World
His anger lasts only a moment, but his love lasts a lifetime. We may cry for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5 (ICB): Joy Comes in the Morning
He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 (ICB): Healing for Broken Hearts
Worry can make people sad, but a kind word can make them happy.
Proverbs 12:25 (ICB): The Power of a Kind Word
Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (ICB): Casting All Worries on Him
Give your troubles to the Lord, and he will support you. He will never let good people be defeated.
Psalm 55:22 (ICB): God Sustains the Weary
But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as if they had wings. They will run without growing tired. They will walk without becoming weary.
Isaiah 40:31 (ICB): Renewed Strength in the Lord
When my troubles were many, you comforted me and made me happy.
Psalm 94:19 (ICB): Comfort in Abundant Troubles
My body and my mind may become weak, but God is my strength. He is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26 (ICB): God, Our Everlasting Strength
Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. So do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.
Joshua 1:9 (ICB): Be Strong, God Is With You
I pray that God, who gives hope, will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (ICB): Filled with Hope, Joy, and Peace