There are many things in this world that can cause us to feel crestfallen. Losing our loved ones or watching a friendship end can break our hearts. We need to leave room for healing when our hearts are heavy. Talk with God about what is going on in your life. Share with Him how you are feeling, your worries, and concerns (1 Peter 5:7).
What is currently causing you to feel depressed? Perhaps being hurt by a family member or being told “you’re not good enough” by a co-worker? Bring these feelings to God today. After you have spoken with Him in prayer, find encouragement in these five inspiring quotes and prayers. They will bring hope and peace back into your heart.
1. The Absence of Loved Ones
“Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything” (C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed).
When my mom passed away, my entire world shattered. My mom was my lifeline; the person I could always turn to. However, now, she was gone, and I felt all alone. Our hearts often struggle with depression and sorrow after a loved one passes away. As C. S. Lewis so beautifully articulates, their absence is everywhere.
No matter where we go, we miss them. Various places, songs, and items remind us of them. The pain hurts in ways words cannot fully translate. When we are struggling with a depressed heart due to 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 see them again.
Everyone who places faith in Jesus will be reunited in Heaven. Allow this truth to give you peace during this trying time. While it will not completely heal you of this inner pain, it will help you to process what has happened. With time and healing, life will begin again.
Dear Jesus, the absence of my loved one is too much for me to bear at times. I miss them so much. Their absence follows me wherever I go. Help me to remember that my grief reflects my love for them. They live on in my heart, and I will see them again in Heaven. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.
2. The Peace of Jesus
“I know, perhaps as well as anyone, what depression means, and what it is to feel myself sinking lower and lower. Yet at the worst, when I reach the lowest depths, I have an inward peace which no pain or depression can in the least disturb. Trusting in Jesus Christ my Savior, there is still a blessed quietness in the deep caverns of my soul” (Charles Spurgeon).
Spurgron was known to struggle with depression, anxiety, and panic throughout his life. When we are struggling with a depressed heart, we can find comfort in knowing there have been other Christians who have walked this road before us. Spurgeon reminds us of the peace that Jesus brings.
Even when we have hit rock bottom, we still have the inner peace that comes from knowing Jesus. Not even depression can break this peace. Knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord reaches the deepest parts of our souls. It has the power to illuminate the darkest night and bring hope back into our hearts.
Dear Jesus, the depressed heart within me longs for Your peace. In my inner being, I know that You can fill me with Your peace, love, hope, and encouragement. Depression may try to eat away at me, but I know You will help me to tread through the darkest valleys. Thank You for walking beside me, Lord. Amen.
3. The Beauty of Kindness
“I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love” (Gandalf).
Gandalf is the beloved wizard from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The small acts of kindness from others can help our hearts heal when we're feeling depressed. Think about how you feel when someone goes out of their way to be kind to you. Perhaps a friend stopped by to spend the afternoon with you, or your grandma came to take care of you after you had surgery.
Acts of kindness can make a huge difference. Even a smile or a kind word can go a long way in someone’s life. Try to radiate this same light to others. Perhaps you feel overly depressed right now, but do not allow it to hinder your spirit. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and lead you to acts of kindness, love, and encouragement.
Dear God, it feels good when people are friendly to me. Even the smallest act of kindness can bring a smile to my face. Please help me take note of the acts of kindness around me. I also ask that you help me be kinder to others in my everyday life. When they look at me, I want them to see You. Amen.”
4. The Only Way Out is Through
“The best way out is always through” (Robert Frost, A Servant to Servants).
Robert Frost is a well-known poet who struggled with depression throughout his life. His sister and daughter both suffered from schizophrenia, which led them to be placed in institutions. Frost was familiar with a depressed heart, and it is often shown through his poetry.
Within his work, A Servant to Servants, we see a motivation to overcome depression. The only way out of a depressive episode or flare is through. As we are navigating this season, we must trust in the Lord. We can rely on the truth that He will bring us out on the other side.
In your own life, do you believe this? Do you truly trust that God can do all things? Challenge any doubts with the truth of Scripture. God can do greater things than we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Dear God, my depressed heart makes me feel heavy. There are days I don't want to get out of bed. Please give me the motivation to remember that the only way out is through. No one can take the step toward healing except for me. Continue to grace me with Your presence as I walk the road of healing. Amen.
5. Praising God Even When It Hurts
“Even when my strength is lost/I'll praise you/Even when I have no song/I'll praise you” (Hillsong United, “Even When It Hurts”).
Within this song lyric from Hillsong United, we see the encouragement to praise God even when it hurts. This can be a challenge when we are dealing with a depressed heart, but it can help us grow in our relationship with Him. Even when all is lost, we can turn to the Lord in praise.
This reflects Habakkuk 3:17-18, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Find hope in God during this challenging time and watch your faith become stronger.
Dear Jesus, from my heart, I'm choosing to sing praises to You today. You are good, You are holy, and You are righteous. Keep my eyes focused on You even when everything seems lost. I trust in You with all things, Lord. You are our Good Shepherd. Amen.
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