Hello!
Depression is a heavy fog that clouds judgment, steals motivation, and often leads one to question their value, purpose, and even life itself. It can be triggered by disappointment, loss, prolonged waiting, or crushed expectations—and for some, it feels impossible to escape.
But there is hope. A real, repeatable pathway to healing is found not in willpower alone, but in God’s presence, as revealed through the Bible. This article explains three profound verses from the book of Psalms and shows how one man, Dolapo, applied them to overcome a deep emotional valley. Whether you’re dealing with depression or supporting someone who is, these verses offer a powerful strategy for restoration.
1. The True Location of Joy
Psalm 16:11 (KJV)
"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Joy is not merely a change in emotion. According to this scripture, it is the byproduct of God's presence. Many people try to fix depression by changing their circumstances. But David’s words show that the path of life and fullness of joy come from drawing close to God—not merely getting more money, comfort, or approval.
This verse teaches us that God's presence is a place of clarity, joy, and healing. The question becomes: how do we enter it?
2. Praise: The Practical Key to God's Presence
Psalm 22:3 (KJV)
"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."
God inhabits—literally dwells in—the praises of His people. This means praise is not just emotional expression; it is a spiritual doorway. When we offer heartfelt praise, we create an atmosphere where God reveals Himself, and depression begins to break.
This was the verse that changed everything for Dolapo.
Dolapo’s Breakthrough: How Praise Replaced Depression
Dolapo had been battling sadness for a long time. He had faced a painful rejection—denied a Ukrainian visa after preparing and hoping for it deeply. The disappointment lingered, and he found it hard to feel joyful or hopeful.
One day, his host, someone he trusted spiritually, gave him an unusual instruction:
Praise God for 7 hours or sing 50 praise and worship songs.
Dolapo chose to spend 7 hours in continuous praise and worship. As he sang, his mind often wandered—thoughts would drift from the One he was singing to. But every time that happened, he intentionally brought his focus back to Jesus, sometimes whispering His name to stay centered. He poured his heart into the songs, determined to truly honor God in that time.
He finished the 7 hours exhausted—but deeply refreshed in his soul.
When he went to rest, something supernatural happened:
He received a divine visitation from the Lord Jesus Christ in a vision.
In that encounter, Jesus did not speak about the visa issue. Instead, He taught Dolapo something greater—how to pray according to God’s Word and how easy it is to receive from God when one prays rightly, as Matthew 7:7 affirms:
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
That night marked the end of depression for Dolapo. He entered a realm of spiritual joy and confidence that made him understand that nothing is impossible with God. He could now discern when a prayer wasn’t aligned with God’s will, and he learned to rephrase prayers in line with Scripture. As he continued praying this way—both for himself and with others—he began to see consistent, godly results.
3. Thanksgiving: Sustaining the Presence of God
Psalm 100:4 (KJV)
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
This verse reveals the daily rhythm that keeps depression from returning. Gratitude is how we enter God’s gates, and praise is how we move deeper into His presence. Even in times of uncertainty, thanking God for what you do have—and for who He is—changes your focus and opens the way for His peace to settle over you.
Gratitude is not denial of difficulty; it's recognition of God’s faithfulness despite it. And it builds a spiritual environment where joy thrives and heaviness cannot remain.
How You Can Start Today
Here’s how you can put these verses into practice:
1. Give your life to Jesus
Joy and divine presence are for God’s people. Repent, believe, and surrender your heart to Christ.
2. Set aside time for praise
Whether it’s 30 minutes or more, engage in focused worship. If your mind wanders, gently call it back to Jesus. Sing from your heart.
3. Practice daily thanksgiving
Make a list of things you’re thankful for and say them aloud to God. Gratitude will keep your heart open to His joy.
4. Pray with the Word
Align your prayers with Scripture. Let the promises of God shape your requests—just like Dolapo learned.
There Is a Way Out
You don’t have to live in depression. These three scriptures are not just spiritual poetry—they are power tools for emotional restoration. Dolapo's story is one of many that show what happens when someone chooses to praise through pain, worship through wandering thoughts, and align with the promises of God.
In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy.
And that joy is stronger than depression.
