Do your days seem clouded, like there’s a fog you can’t break through? You’re not alone. Even God’s people struggled with depression … “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God” (Psalm 42:5 NLT).

The dictionary defines depression as an emotional condition, either neurotic or psychotic, characterized by feelings of hopelessness, inadequacy, gloominess, dejection, sadness, difficulty in thinking and concentration, and inactivity. 

Depression often times creates a negative self-image, accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and self criticism. Neurotic depression can be linked to wrong conduct or behavior and wrong reactions to such conduct.

The pressures and stresses of life often weigh us down. When our hearts are heavy and our heads are low, the clouds of depression seem to block out any ray of hope.  Even in our depression, God walks with us, carries our burdens, and shines the light of His Word on our despair.

“The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us.”  (Psalm 118:27)

Those who struggle in the darkness of depression have difficulty seeing the good in their circumstances and especially in themselves. They look at life through a “black filter.” The photographer who uses a black lens can take a picture during the daytime, but the final photograph will appear to be a night scene.

Depressed people see life through a black filter, feeling hatred toward themselves, helpless about their situations and hopeless over their future. If you’re walking in the darkness of depression, you need to see the light of the Lord and know that He cares.

The Lord can give you hope and purpose in the midst of pain. Get our free download and discover what God’s Word says about depression.