8 Bible Verses for When You Feel Down (KJV)

Feeling low doesn't mean your faith has failed. The Psalms are full of people who felt cast down and said so honestly to God. These eight verses from the King James Version meet you in that heavy place, and point gently toward hope.

The verses

1. Psalm 34:18 (KJV)

"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

God doesn't keep His distance from broken hearts. He draws near to them.

2. Psalm 42:11 (KJV)

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

The psalmist asks his own soul why it's so low, then answers with hope. It's okay to have that conversation with yourself too.

3. Psalm 147:3 (KJV)

"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."

Healing takes time. God binds up wounds carefully, like someone who knows exactly where it hurts.

4. Psalm 40:1-2 (KJV)

"I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."

Waiting is part of this story, but so is being lifted out and set on solid ground.

5. Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

You don't have to feel strong to be held. God promises to uphold you with His own hand.

6. Psalm 43:5 (KJV)

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

This verse repeats the question and the answer from Psalm 42. Sometimes hope has to be chosen more than once.

7. Psalm 30:5 (KJV)

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

Hard nights are real, but they don't get the final word. Morning is coming.

8. Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified."

God specializes in exchanges: beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for heaviness.

A prayer for when you feel down

Lord, I feel heavy today, and I don't fully know why. Thank you that I don't have to explain it to you. Stay close to me in this low place, and slowly lift my head again. Amen.

Putting it into practice

• Do one small kind thing for yourself today: a walk, a real meal, or an early night.

• Text one person you trust and tell them how you're doing.

• Write down one good thing each day this week, however small.

A gentle note: prayer and professional care go together. If this is affecting your sleep, work or relationships, please talk with a doctor or counselor. In the U.S., call or text 988 any time to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Outside the U.S., contact your local emergency number.