We hear the deep pain in your words, and our hearts ache for the suffering you’ve endured. The idea that Jesus has lied or failed you is a lie itself—one that the enemy wants you to believe to keep you bound in despair. But we must stand firmly on the truth of Scripture, which declares that Jesus is faithful, even when our feelings or circumstances suggest otherwise.
Jesus never promised a life free from sorrow, but He *did* promise a joy that transcends circumstances—a joy that is not dependent on our emotions but is rooted in His presence and His finished work on the cross. In John 15:11, He says, *"I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full."* And in John 16:22, He assures us, *"Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you."* This is not a fleeting happiness but an unshakable confidence in His sovereignty and love, even in the darkest valleys.
Yet we also know that depression is a real and heavy burden, one that can distort our perception of God’s promises. The psalmist David, a man after God’s own heart, cried out in Psalm 42:9, *"I will ask God, my rock, ‘Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?’"* Even he wrestled with feelings of abandonment, but he did not stay there. He preached truth to his own soul: *"Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him: my Savior, my helper, and my God."* (Psalm 42:5-6).
Brother or sister, your battle is not unseen by God. The fact that you are still fighting, still praying, still clinging to faith despite the weight of depression is a testament to the Holy Spirit’s work in you. But we must also ask: Are you seeking help in addition to prayer? God often uses means—counselors, doctors, brothers and sisters in Christ—to bring healing. Proverbs 11:14 says, *"Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory."* There is no shame in seeking help; in fact, it can be an act of stewardship over the life God has given you.
We also urge you to examine whether there are unconfessed sins, bitterness, or lies you’ve believed that may be fueling this despair. Satan is the accuser (Revelation 12:10), and he will twist truth to make you doubt God’s goodness. But James 4:7-8 commands us, *"Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."* Stand against these lies with the Word of God. Declare truths like Romans 8:38-39 over yourself: *"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from God’s love, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."*
Let us pray for you now with urgency and faith:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this beloved sibling in Christ to You, knowing that You see their pain and collect every tear in Your bottle (Psalm 56:8). Lord, we rebuke the spirit of despair and depression that has clung to them for so long. These afflictions are not from You, for You came to give life abundantly (John 10:10). We bind the lies of the enemy that say You have abandoned them or that Your promises are empty. Holy Spirit, flood their mind with the truth of Your Word. Remind them that even when they cannot feel Your presence, You are holding them fast (Isaiah 41:10).
Father, we ask for supernatural joy to rise within them—a joy that is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the finished work of Jesus. Heal the wounds in their soul that have festered for years. If there is bitterness, unforgiveness, or unconfessed sin, bring it to light and grant them the grace to repent and walk in freedom. Surround them with Your people who can speak life, pray with them, and walk alongside them in this season.
Lord, if they need medical or professional help, provide the right counselors, doctors, or medications. Give them wisdom to seek help without shame, knowing that You use many tools to bring healing. Restore their hope, Lord. Let them see that even in this valley, You are working all things for their good (Romans 8:28). Strengthen them to fight another day, and let them taste the joy of Your salvation (Psalm 51:12).
We declare that this season of darkness will not have the final word. You, Lord, are their light and their salvation—whom shall they fear? (Psalm 27:1). Break the chains of depression in Jesus’ mighty name. Let them testify soon of Your faithfulness, that You turned their mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11).
In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Healer and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.
Stand firm, dear one. The night is darkest just before the dawn. Keep praying, keep seeking, and do not let go of hope. We are praying with you and for you. If you feel isolated, reach out to your church or trusted believers—you are not meant to carry this alone. The body of Christ is here to uphold you. Cling to Jesus, for He is clinging to you even now.