Depression is a real threat to the body of Christ. Some of us have a physical tendency towards depression; while others of us have succumbed to it through the difficulties of life. While medication, counseling, and other types of therapy can bring relief—we mustn’t rule out the power of praise, hope, and encouragement through the gift of music.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." ~ Colossians 3:16
The following 7 Christian songs are helpful in those tough days of depression:
“I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came” (Job 3:26, KJV).
There will be days in this Christian walk when we just need to work through our grief. Sometimes people are tempted to make us get over our losses too quickly—we must allow for the complete work of the Holy Spirit to heal our brokenness and bring us to a place of restored joy. There’s grace from God to get through the rough times and someday rejoice at His great plan for our lives.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Depression can make us feel powerless against the inward and outward pressure. Yet the grace of God is what carries us through. When we rest on His grace, we find peace and presence of mind to take the next step forward. His grace is sufficient to help us through the darkest paths and He supplies in abundance to those who call out His name.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
This song brings out the hope that we can still press on and rise up above our troubles as we lean on the Lord. We do have those low times, but in the name of the Lord—we can rise up faithfully trusting in His strength to get through it. It’s a wonder to watch the saints of God persevere through persecution, destitution, and rejection. Through Christ anything is possible.
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12).
This hymn is particularly comforting when believers are dealing with depression. We are reminded that this earth with all its pain and limitations isn’t our home. The Lord is preparing a place for His people where there is peace and contentment. While depression can deplete our joy and energy—focusing on the peace that passes understanding can lift us out of a depressed state of mind.
“For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth” (Psalm 47:2).
We may not be able to always shake off our depressed feelings, but we can discipline ourselves to praise the Lord in spite of our situation. When we praise the Lord beyond how we feel, we become more focused on Him and His power—giving ourselves less attention. Many times this results in a great peace and joy in the midst of emotional or mental suffering.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).
Everything good in our lives comes from the Lord. He richly blesses those who put their trust in Him. As we meditate on His goodness, we can find ourselves quickly drawn away from the pity parties towards a spirit of expectancy. As we join the hosts of heaven in singing praises to God, we are lifted in our spirits with great joy at one day being in the presence of our Lord.
“Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth” (Isaiah 37:16-17).
We serve the One and True Living God who will always stay the same now and forever. When we are depressed, many times we aren’t seeing God as who He is—holy and willing to see us free. Believers must shed the thoughts of God wanting to destroy or punish them and instead see the God of mercy and truth.
Whenever we are struggling with feelings of depression, we must focus on the greatness of God. His agape love is greater than our depression or anything else that threatens to steal our joy. Make every day one reflection on the strength of God and sing you through these hard days.
Prayer for those Suffering Depression
Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, for us you bore the agony of the cross.
Draw near to your servants who suffer pain, and make all things serve your good purpose, that by your grace we may know that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us; with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through the practical application of God’s word.
Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.