If you, or someone you love, is struggling to overcome depression, whether it’s a small thing or a major issue, you need more than just Christian platitudes. Even depression scripture can be misused and misapplied by well meaning people in a most unhelpful way.
There is power and hope in trusting Scripture for depression coping strategy. Science and scripture can work together in practical ways to overcome depression and other issues.
Today, I would like to share 3 top Christian resources to combat depression scripture based, scientifically proven, and worth your time!
Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may make a small commission. I only recommend books and resources that I’ve enjoyed personally, or believe that you would like. You can read my full disclosure here. You will also find information on Scripture translations there.
The Book that Links Science and Scripture For Depression
This Overcome Depression Scripture and Science book is on tour with Celebrate Lit. I’ve not read it, but I know it’s an important subject, and I am happy to spotlight it here. Let’s learn some strategies to Overcome Depression. Science and scripture for depression should work together for the best possible results.
Overcome Depression sounds like a practical guide that points to scripture, and the Savior, and would be extremely helpful!
I’m very curious about the author being a Certified Laughter Leader. After my experiences with laughter (getting in trouble over it repeatedly), I went digging into exactly what does the Bible say about Laughter, and have shared my findings (and my story).
Book: Overcome Depression
Author: Margaret Lalich
Genre: Non-fiction/self-help/Christian growth
Release Date: March 22, 2019
BREAKTHROUGH SCIENCE SHINES NEW LIGHT ON HOLY SCRIPTURES. “…pulls back the curtain to clearly & simply reveal how our mind works… A fun and eye-opening book” Karl Benzio, M.D., Medical Director: Honey Lake Clinic & Lighthouse Network.
This faith-based, reader-friendly guide offers more than 100 self-help strategies and recovery skills for coping with depression. Brain Science and evidence-based therapeutic practices offer hands-on, practical tools for immediate use.
“Amazing book! I have read so many books on depression and this is the only one that has truly helped me.”—Wendy Freeman, California
“…an amazing book on overcoming depression… deep, and yet understandable… a very practical and encouraging book about a very dark subject.”—Bill Walden, Pastor Cornerstone Ministries, Ca.
Click here to purchase your copy!
Related Reading
- Go Behind the Seen with this Hagar Bible Study (if anyone had a right to be depressed, Hagar did!)
About the Author Who Pairs Science and Scripture for Depression
Margaret Lalich is a believer, a lover (family, friends, and others), a relentless optimist, and a Certified Laughter Leader. Before becoming a college freshman (in her 30’s), she chose a teen marriage over graduation. Later adventures and mid-life corrections led to completion of her M.S. and M.A. degrees and a 31-year career as a clinician and teacher, within mental health.
Laughter and tears are both found in experience. Tears can wash away emotional rubble, and laughter can be a ‘bungee-cord’ safety-life-line. If we fall into a pit of despair, laughter helps us rebound and boosts our climb. Margaret loves to share it.
Margaret is a mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma who writes stories and non-fiction – highlighting experience, science, strategies, and hope. She wants to connect with readers — helping them find (and use) their gifts, and to live their own definition of ‘success’ – to the Glory of God.
More from Margaret
I have been asked WHY I wanted to write this book. It’s because I ache for believers who suffer the pain of depression – and then add guilt, embarrassment, loss of hope, or helplessness to it. I want them to know they are heroes – not zeroes (no matter how they’re feeling). I want to share strategies, encouragement and the sheer excitement of scientific discovery that proves we have more power than we may have imagined, to help us climb out of the ‘pit’.
Yes, I am a bit of a cheerleader, and at times a clown – but I’m also a researcher and a clinician who has shared the wonder of such discoveries with more than a thousand patients. I have also been asked how long it took to finish this book. Not too long … just 31 years to learn and live it – and 3 years to research and write it. Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 1.
First Things First: Christians and Depression
“ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Church is not a museum for perfect saints — it’s a first aid station for sinners who keep trying. I can’t recall the name of the pastor, who delivered that line, but his message resonated with me then and it still does today. I want to contribute to First-Aid supplies
God says He is for us, and we are loved. We can trust, and we must believe His Word. But, it can be hard to reconcile faith with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. If you have struggled with this – you’re not alone. Right from the start, you need to know you are loved. We’re in this together.
Doubts and fears can seed questions such as:
“What’s happening?”
“Why?”
“Now what?”
If you ask these questions, be assured God hears the cry of your heart. By His grace, we will explore answers together. Yes, there are answers. Yes, there is hope and help that you can use – right where you are, starting now.
…Blame is a distraction. We cast blame on ourselves with hurtful thinking when we think or say things like: “If I had enough faith this wouldn’t happen.” Or, “ I should be stronger … blah, blah, blah.” Don’t surrender to this way of thinking.
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
There has been a revolution in the study of the brain (neuroscience). We’ve started to understand brain-works, and can now answer the first of our opening questions: “What’s happening?” With today’s technology and new imaging systems we can see the brain in action as thoughts, and new learning, form physical links, creating neural patterns and pathways within the brain.
The glory of God is revealed as we discover more of His divine design, and watch new scientific findings align with the old wisdom of God’s word for mankind. Proverbs 23:7 says: “For as he thinks in his heart, so he is.” We have learned that what we think helps to form who, and what we are. We can use this knowledge to build recovery skills.
My Hope Toolbox: More than Scripture for Depression
Sara over at the Holy Mess has overcome a lot in her life, and has chosen to share an incredible Hope toolbox full of just what we need. There’s scripture for depression, journaling pages, a customized Hope list, motivation, and more. Best part? It’s affordable, and you can print as many copies for yourself as you’d like! She also took the time to make the pages pretty. (You can learn about Sara’s faith and fitness resources here)
Joyful Living Toolbox: Helping You Become an Overcomer
Wendy of One Exceptional Life has a unique view of overcoming, having lost her hands and feet, and still coming up with awesome content! She’s created this 70 page printable Joyful Living Toolbox, complete with gratitude prompts, random acts of kindness, scripture for depression and other joy thieves, and more. I think we all have a lot to learn from Wendy!
What’s Your Favorite Scripture for Depression?
Is there a particular verse you turn to regularly? An extra-helpful scripture for depression, or sadness, or frustration? When dealing with depression, Scripture points us to the great Comforter, and he won’t let us down. His plans may not make sense to us, but he’s always got us in the palm of his hands!
Until Next Time, Love God, Love Books, Shine The Light!!