Depression – Finding Hope in the Valley
Note this post is part 3 of a 3-day leadership series called “Mastering the Big Three: A Faith-Based Leadership Journey.” In this series, we’re exploring three emotions that every leader encounters—anger, anxiety, and depression—and how to face them with wisdom, discipline, and faith.
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Day 1: Anger – Turning Fire into Fuel
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Day 2: Anxiety – Trading Worry for Wisdom
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Day 3: Depression – Finding Hope in the Valley
Each day builds on the last, but every post is also written to stand alone. So, if today is your first time joining us, welcome! You’re right on time. Dive in, and when you’re ready, you can explore the other parts of the series to get the full journey.
Introduction: Depression – Finding Hope in the Valley
Of all the Big Three, depression can be the hardest for leaders to admit. Anger is visible, anxiety can be explained—but depression often feels hidden, heavy, and isolating. It drains energy, clouds vision, and whispers lies that nothing will change. For leaders tasked with guiding others, this can feel like a crushing weight.
But Scripture reminds us: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Depression is not a sign of failure or weakness—it is a human experience that God meets with compassion, grace, and restoration.
Biblical Examples of Depression
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Elijah under the Broom Tree (1 Kings 19) – After a great victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah collapsed under exhaustion and fear, praying that his life would end. God did not condemn him but gave him rest, nourishment, and renewed purpose.
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David’s Lament (Psalm 42:11) – David often poured out his despair before God: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.” His honesty before God became a pathway to renewed faith.
The Bible shows us that depression is not the end of the story. God is present in the valley, and His Spirit brings hope where despair once reigned.
Leadership Lessons on Depression
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Acknowledge, Don’t Deny – Leaders are often pressured to be strong. Yet healing begins with honesty. Like David, give voice to your pain before God.
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Rest and Renew – God provided Elijah with rest and food before sending him back to work. Sometimes the most spiritual act a leader can do is rest.
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Seek Support – Depression isolates, but leaders need community. Elijah found Elisha; David had Jonathan. Leadership was never meant to be lonely.
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Anchor in Hope – Depression distorts reality, but God’s promises remain true. Remind yourself daily: “For I know the plans I have for you … to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Faith does not ignore depression—it transforms it. Leaders who bring their brokenness before God discover that His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Reflection Questions
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Have I been ignoring or minimizing feelings of depression in my leadership journey?
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What practices of rest and renewal could I embrace to care for my soul?
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Who in my circle can I trust to walk with me through seasons of heaviness?
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What promises of God can I hold onto when my feelings contradict my faith?
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Thank You that You are near to the brokenhearted. When despair weighs me down, remind me that I am not alone. Lift my soul, restore my strength, and renew my hope. Help me to lead from a place of authenticity and trust, knowing that even in the valley, You are with me. May my life and leadership testify to Your power to bring light out of darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture Focus
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“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
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“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.” — Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
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“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
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“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Day 3 Closing
This concludes our 3-day series on the Big Three emotions in leadership—anger, anxiety, and depression. If you missed the earlier parts, I invite you to go back and read them. Each one builds toward a fuller picture of how faith equips us to lead with wisdom, clarity, and hope.
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