Finding Hope While Navigating Depression: A 7-Day Devotionalಮಾದರಿ

Day 3: Learning from Biblical Figures Who Faced Despair

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

You Are Not Alone in Your Struggles. Throughout Scripture, we see that even some of the greatest heroes of the faith wrestled with deep distress, fear, and anxiety. Hannah struggled with infertility and expressed deep anguish and distress over her situation, bitterly weeping and crying out to the Lord as she fervently desired a child. Jeremiah lamented over God's people's wickedness and rebellion, expressing his loneliness, rejection, and anguish. After denying Jesus three times, Peter wept bitterly when he realized his betrayal, likely experiencing helplessness and despair. Job lost his family, health, and wealth, facing feelings of hopelessness, and anguish.

These individuals' experiences remind us that struggling with feelings of despair does not reveal a lack of faith. The key is not to let these feelings define us but to bring them before God, just as these faithful men and women did.​

Reflection Questions

• Which biblical figure’s experience with despair resonates with you the most? Why?
• How does it encourage you to know that even strong believers faced deep anguish?
• What would it look like for you to bring your feelings of hopelessness to God as these biblical figures did?

Prayer Focus

Ask God to strengthen your faith and guide you through moments of despair and fear.

Father, thank You for showing me I am not alone in my struggles. Even the strongest believers in Scripture experienced fear and distress, yet You remained faithful to them. Help me to bring my feelings of hopelessness to You as Hannah did, to trust You in my suffering as Job did, and to rest in Your peace as Jesus did. Strengthen my faith and remind me that You are near. In Jesus' name, amen.