What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety and Depression?

Insights from Boulder Churches

Introduction

Anxiety and depression are not modern phenomena—they are woven throughout the pages of the Bible. From the anguished cries of King David in the Psalms to the despair of Elijah, Job, and Jeremiah, Scripture does not shy away from the reality of mental and emotional suffering. In fact, the Bible offers both honest acknowledgment of these struggles and profound hope for those who face them.

Boulder’s churches, representing a wide range of Christian traditions, have grappled deeply with what the Bible says about anxiety and depression. Their teachings reveal that these are not signs of weak faith, but part of the human experience—even for the most faithful. Through sermons, small groups, and mental health series, Boulder congregations encourage honesty before God, the power of community, and the sustaining hope found in Christ. Below, we explore the key Bible verses referenced by Boulder churches, how each interprets them, and the practical resources available for those seeking support.

Biblical Foundation – Key Verses

Psalm 13:1-2

"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?"

Chart: How Boulder Churches Interpret Psalm 13:1-2 (BAR)

Before diving into individual church perspectives, it's important to note the patterns revealed by the chart "How Boulder Churches Interpret Psalm 13:1-2." The data shows that churches cluster their interpretations around three main themes:
- Normalizing mental anguish (acknowledging that even biblical heroes struggled)
- Modeling honest lament (encouraging open expression of pain before God)
- Using lament as a springboard to hope (moving from despair to trust in God)

This clustering cuts across denominational lines, though mainline and liturgical churches tend to emphasize lament and honesty, while evangelical and charismatic congregations are more likely to pivot quickly to hope and restoration. This diversity reflects both the breadth of biblical interpretation and the lived experience of faith communities in Boulder.

Churches Referencing Psalm 13:1-2

Flatirons Community Church

Flatirons uses Psalm 13 to show that even the most faithful experience despair. In the "Out of the Cave" series (May 15, 2022, YouTube, 11:32), Lead Pastor Aaron Brockett emphasizes that God is present in our suffering:

"God cares about your suffering, He mourns with you, He groans with you with groanings too deep for words."
— Pastor Aaron Brockett, "Out of the Cave" Part 1, Flatirons Community Church

Out of the Cave - Flatirons

Boulder Valley Christian Church

Boulder Valley Christian Church highlights David’s lament as evidence that depression is not a sign of spiritual failure. In his sermon "When Darkness Closes In" (YouTube, 8:45), Pastor Brent Lewis says:

"Even great men of faith wrestled with feelings akin to depression. We are invited to bring our honest pain to God."
— Pastor Brent Lewis, "When Darkness Closes In," Boulder Valley Christian Church

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Shepherd of the Hills interprets Psalm 13 as an invitation to bring brokenness honestly before God. In "Out of the Cave: When You Feel Like Giving Up" (YouTube, 36:28), Pastor Scott Nichols teaches:

"Scripture does not shy away from the reality of mental anguish but offers a space for lament and trust in God amid suffering."
— Pastor Scott Nichols, "Out of the Cave: When You Feel Like Giving Up," Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Out of the Cave - Shepherd of the Hills

Boulder Baptist Church

Boulder Baptist Church uses Psalm 13 to validate the reality of despair. In the message "Faith in the Valley" (YouTube, 14:12), Pastor Paul states:

"Even God’s chosen leaders faced despair. The Psalms give us permission to be honest about our pain."
— Pastor Paul, "Faith in the Valley," Boulder Baptist Church

Boulder Assembly of God

Boulder Assembly of God emphasizes the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of David’s lament. In "Out of the Cave: The God Who Sees" (YouTube, 4:44), the sermon notes:

"This sorrow is not only emotional or spiritual but can be physical as well. Yet, the Psalmist ultimately encourages us to put our hope in God and praise Him despite inner turmoil."
— "Out of the Cave: The God Who Sees," Boulder Assembly of God

Out of the Cave - Boulder Assembly of God

Boulder Covenant Church

Boulder Covenant Church focuses on the honesty of lament and the call to hope. In their teaching "Lament and Trust" (YouTube, 12:33):

"These verses are an invitation to be honest with God about our despair and to put our hope in Him despite inner turmoil."
— "Lament and Trust," Boulder Covenant Church

Boulder Church of God

Boulder Church of God interprets Psalm 13 as a model for honest prayer, referencing Psalm 42:5 as well (YouTube, 4:44):

"Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
— "Hope in the Valley," Boulder Church of God

Out of the Cave - Boulder Church of God

Boulder Gospel Chapel

Boulder Gospel Chapel teaches that Psalm 13 validates the experience of depression. In "God’s Presence in the Darkness" (YouTube, 17:50), Pastor Brent explains:

"Depression and anxiety are not new or shameful but part of the human experience acknowledged by God."
— Pastor Brent, "God’s Presence in the Darkness," Boulder Gospel Chapel

Other Churches

Many other Boulder churches—such as Boulder Creek Church, Boulder Christian Church, Grace Bible Church Boulder, City Church Boulder, St. Ambrose Catholic Church, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Faith Lutheran Church Boulder, Boulder Mountain Community Church, Boulder United Methodist Church, Boulder Ridge Church, Grace Chapel Boulder, Boulder Alliance Church, Boulder Bible Church, Boulder Community Church, Boulder Church of Christ, Boulder Adventist Church, Unity Church of Boulder, The Bridge Church Boulder, New Life Church Boulder, The Well Church Boulder, Community United Church of Christ, and First Congregational Church Boulder—reference Psalm 13’s lament as a biblical foundation for acknowledging anxiety and depression. Each church emphasizes honesty before God, the legitimacy of lament, and the hope that God’s presence brings even in the darkest moments.

John 10:10

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Chart: When Do Churches Say 'Abundant Life' Is Accessible? (PIE)

The chart "When Do Churches Say 'Abundant Life' Is Accessible?" reveals a striking consensus: Boulder churches referencing John 10:10 almost universally frame 'abundant life' as available even amid ongoing mental health struggles—not just after healing or deliverance. This challenges the misconception that faith requires the absence of suffering before fullness of life can be experienced. Instead, both evangelical and mainline traditions in Boulder teach that Christ’s promise is present-tense, sustaining believers even in the valley.

Churches Referencing John 10:10

Boulder Valley Christian Church

Boulder Valley Christian Church uses John 10:10 to contrast despair with Christ’s promise of abundant life. In "Hope in the Midst of Darkness" (YouTube, 15:10), Pastor Brent Lewis proclaims:

"The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus has come that you might have life and have it to the full."
— Pastor Brent Lewis, "Hope in the Midst of Darkness," Boulder Valley Christian Church

Flatirons Community Church

Flatirons emphasizes that Jesus’ promise is for fullness of life even amid mental health struggles. In "Out of the Cave" (YouTube, 39:00), Pastor Aaron Brockett urges:

"Declare some of that truth together... Jesus has come that you might have life and have it to the full."
— Pastor Aaron Brockett, "Out of the Cave," Flatirons Community Church

Boulder Baptist Church

Boulder Baptist Church frames John 10:10 as hope beyond depression. In "Faith in the Valley" (YouTube, 21:00), Pastor Paul says:

"While anxiety and depression are real, God’s promise is abundant life beyond these struggles."
— Pastor Paul, "Faith in the Valley," Boulder Baptist Church

Boulder Gospel Chapel

Boulder Gospel Chapel interprets this verse as a call to hope. In "God’s Presence in the Darkness" (YouTube, 20:10):

"Jesus came so people might have life and have it to the full, contrasting the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy."
— "God’s Presence in the Darkness," Boulder Gospel Chapel

Grace Bible Church Boulder

Grace Bible Church Boulder applies John 10:10 as a foundation for transformation. In "Freedom in Christ" (YouTube, 42:26):

"Cast out the old, go into the new, have that fixated faith knowing God wants to and is going to move in your situation."
— "Freedom in Christ," Grace Bible Church Boulder
Grace Bible Church Boulder

City Church Boulder

City Church Boulder highlights abundant life as the antidote to despair. In "Life to the Full" (YouTube, 19:30):

"Jesus’ promise is that He came so people might have life and have it to the full, even when depression and anxiety threaten to steal it."
— "Life to the Full," City Church Boulder

Unity Church of Boulder

Unity Church of Boulder links John 10:10 to transformation. In "Moving from Darkness to Light" (YouTube, 42:26):

"Cast out the old, go into the new, have that fixated faith knowing God wants to and is going to move in your situation."
— "Moving from Darkness to Light," Unity Church of Boulder

Unity Church of Boulder

Faith Lutheran Church Boulder

Faith Lutheran Church Boulder uses John 10:10 to reject stigma. In "Abundant Life in Christ" (YouTube, 12:00):

"Jesus came so that we might have life and have it to the full, reminding believers that God’s desire is for restoration and hope even amid mental health struggles."
— "Abundant Life in Christ," Faith Lutheran Church Boulder

Faith Lutheran Church Boulder

Other Churches

Many other Boulder churches, including Boulder Mountain Community Church, The Well Church Boulder, Boulder Christian Church, Boulder Adventist Church, Boulder Ridge Church, Boulder Assembly of God, Grace Chapel Boulder, Boulder Community Church, Boulder Church of God, Boulder Covenant Church, New Life Church Boulder, Boulder United Methodist Church, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, and Christ the King Catholic Church, reference John 10:10 as a promise of hope, fullness, and restoration for those struggling with anxiety and depression.

Psalm 42:5

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

Chart: Theological Approaches to Anxiety and Depression in Boulder Churches (PIE)

The "Theological Approaches" chart reveals two dominant clusters among Boulder churches:
- Validating Lament: Churches that stress the legitimacy of expressing sorrow and wrestling with God (common among mainline, Lutheran, and Catholic congregations).
- Emphasizing Hope and Restoration: Churches that acknowledge suffering but quickly pivot to the promise of hope, healing, and victory (more prevalent in evangelical and charismatic traditions).

This duality is reflected in how Psalm 42:5 is used. For some, it is a refrain of honest struggle; for others, it is a declaration of faith that suffering will not have the last word.

Churches Referencing Psalm 42:5

Boulder Assembly of God

Boulder Assembly of God uses Psalm 42:5 to encourage hope in God despite inner turmoil. In "Out of the Cave: The God Who Sees" (YouTube, 4:44):

"Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
— "Out of the Cave: The God Who Sees," Boulder Assembly of God

Boulder Assembly of God

Boulder Church of God

Boulder Church of God highlights the refrain as a foundation for overcoming despair. In "Hope in the Valley" (YouTube, 4:44):

"Faith in God is the foundation for overcoming despair and that God desires to bring life and fullness."
— "Hope in the Valley," Boulder Church of God

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Shepherd of the Hills interprets Psalm 42:5 as an invitation to hope. In "Out of the Cave: When You Feel Like Giving Up" (YouTube, 36:28):

"Put your hope in God is a way to navigate emotional turmoil."
— Pastor Scott Nichols, "Out of the Cave: When You Feel Like Giving Up," Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Boulder Covenant Church

Boulder Covenant Church applies this verse as a call to honest wrestling and hope. In "Lament and Trust" (YouTube, 12:33):

"Put your hope in God and wait for God as a foundation for praise and trust even in deep distress."
— "Lament and Trust," Boulder Covenant Church

Boulder Gospel Chapel

Boulder Gospel Chapel uses Psalm 42:5 to encourage hope in God. In "God’s Presence in the Darkness" (YouTube, 17:50):

"Put your hope in God as a response to despair."
— "God’s Presence in the Darkness," Boulder Gospel Chapel

Romans 8

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness... we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..."

Chart: Denominational Emphases on Mental Health Themes (HORIZONTAL_BAR)

Examining the "Denominational Emphases" chart, we see that mainline and Catholic churches in Boulder are more likely to stress Christ's empathy, shared suffering, and the presence of God in the midst of pain. Evangelical and charismatic churches, meanwhile, focus on themes of victory, transformation, and the assurance of ultimate restoration. Romans 8 is a bridge between these emphases, offering both comfort in weakness and the promise of redemption.

Churches Referencing Romans 8

Flatirons Community Church

Flatirons points to Romans 8 as a foundation for hope in suffering. In "Out of the Cave" (YouTube, 44:00), Pastor Aaron Brockett proclaims:

"We have our eyes locked on a day when everything’s going to be made right... we are on an inevitable march toward victory that He earned for us."
— Pastor Aaron Brockett, "Out of the Cave," Flatirons Community Church

Out of the Cave - Flatirons

Unity Church of Boulder

Unity Church of Boulder emphasizes the dual reality of mourning and hope. In "Moving from Darkness to Light" (YouTube, 44:00):

"Although suffering and mourning are real and allowed, God’s ultimate victory is assured."
— "Moving from Darkness to Light," Unity Church of Boulder

Hebrews 4 / Isaiah 53

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses..."
"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain..."

Chart: Denominational Emphases on Mental Health Themes (HORIZONTAL_BAR)

The same chart underscores that Catholic and mainline Protestant churches in Boulder frequently reference the empathy and suffering of Christ, drawing on Hebrews 4 and Isaiah 53. This approach roots comfort in the solidarity of Jesus with human pain, offering a theological basis for seeking help and rejecting stigma.

Churches Referencing Hebrews 4 / Isaiah 53

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church

Sacred Heart connects Jesus’ empathy to mental health struggles. In "The Suffering Christ" (YouTube, 12:10), the homily notes:

"Jesus fully understands human suffering and grief, referencing Hebrews 4 which describes Jesus as the 'Man of Sorrows' familiar with grief."
— "The Suffering Christ," Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church

St. Ambrose Catholic Church

St. Ambrose highlights Jesus as the suffering servant. In "Hope in the Suffering Servant" (YouTube, 18:20):

"Jesus, as the suffering servant, fully understands human grief (Hebrews 4; Isaiah 53)."
— "Hope in the Suffering Servant," St. Ambrose Catholic Church

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church

St. Martin de Porres offers hope through Christ’s empathy. In "The Empathy of Christ" (YouTube, 22:00):

"Jesus understands human suffering and depression, referencing Hebrews 4 and Isaiah 53’s prophecy of the suffering servant."
— "The Empathy of Christ," St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church

Acts 17:28

"For in God we live and move and have our being."

Churches Referencing Acts 17:28

First Congregational Church Boulder

First Congregational applies Acts 17:28 as a grounding truth. In "Comfort for Challenging Times" (YouTube, 0:38), Rev. Deborah Foss shares:

"God’s presence is constant even amid overwhelming circumstances, offering spiritual grounding and reassurance."
— Rev. Deborah Foss, "Comfort for Challenging Times," First Congregational Church Boulder

Comfort for Challenging Times

Jeremiah 30:17

"For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord."

Churches Referencing Jeremiah 30:17

First Congregational Church Boulder

First Congregational highlights God’s promise of healing. In "Devotional - Jeremiah 30:17" (YouTube, 0:42), Lynn Clyde Alleman reflects:

"God’s promise of healing, both physical and emotional, is a source of hope for those facing health challenges, including mental health struggles like depression."
— Lynn Clyde Alleman, "Devotional - Jeremiah 30:17," First Congregational Church Boulder

Devotional - Jeremiah 30:17

Churches with Programs & Resources

Chart: Consensus on Practical Support for Mental Health (PIE)

The "Consensus on Practical Support" chart reveals a rare point of unity: regardless of theological or denominational differences, nearly all Boulder churches converge on the importance of practical support—small groups, prayer, and community engagement—for those struggling with anxiety and depression. This consensus highlights the church’s role not just as a place of teaching, but as a living network of care.

Many Boulder churches offer more than just teaching—they provide practical resources, sermon series, and community support:

"Out of the Cave" Series

A mental health awareness sermon series offered by multiple churches, including:

This series addresses depression from a biblical and pastoral perspective, often featuring personal testimony from pastors who have experienced depression themselves. For example, Pastor Aaron Brockett (Flatirons) shares his own journey with depression (YouTube, 9:00), while Pastor Scott Nichols (Shepherd of the Hills) discusses the importance of lament and hope (YouTube, 36:28).

Out of the Cave - Flatirons

Prayer & Small Groups

Most churches—including The Well Church Boulder, Boulder Adventist Church, Boulder Assembly of God, Grace Chapel Boulder, City Church Boulder, and Boulder Alliance Church—encourage those struggling with anxiety and depression to join small groups, prayer ministries, or text for prayer support (e.g., "Victory Denver" to 94 thousand). These groups are often led by trained facilitators and offer both spiritual and emotional support.

Weekly Devotionals & Testimonies

First Congregational Church Boulder features weekly devotionals and personal testimonies on mental health, available on their YouTube channel. Testimonies from members like Lynn Clyde Alleman and Rev. Deborah Foss provide relatable stories of faith and resilience.

Service Times & Community

Practical Steps: Engaging with Boulder Churches

If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, here’s how you can engage with Boulder’s faith community:

  1. Attend a Service
    Most churches welcome visitors at their Sunday (or Saturday) services. Many also offer live streams for remote participation.

  2. Join a Small Group or Prayer Ministry
    Small groups and prayer gatherings provide safe spaces to share struggles and receive support.

  3. Watch Sermon Series
    Explore mental health-focused series like "Out of the Cave" on YouTube or church websites.

  4. Reach Out for Prayer
    Many churches invite you to text or email for confidential prayer support.

  5. Participate in Devotionals
    Weekly devotionals and testimonies can offer encouragement and practical wisdom.

  6. Be Honest with God and Yourself
    Boulder pastors repeatedly encourage honesty—lament, pray, and seek help without shame.

Conclusion

The Bible does not ignore anxiety and depression—it gives voice to them. Boulder churches, across denominations, affirm that these struggles are part of the human experience, seen in the lives of David, Elijah, Job, and even Jesus Himself. Their teachings root hope in God’s presence, Christ’s promise of abundant life, and the healing power of honest community.

Chart: Narrative Synthesis

Looking across the charts, a story emerges:
- Theological approaches in Boulder cluster around validating lament and emphasizing hope, often within the same congregation.
- Denominational patterns show mainline and Catholic churches stress Christ's empathy and shared suffering, while evangelical and charismatic churches focus more on victory and abundant life.
- Practical consensus is strong: regardless of theology, nearly all churches encourage small groups, prayer, and community as vital supports.

If you’re facing anxiety or depression, you are not alone. Boulder’s churches offer a welcoming hand, biblical wisdom, and practical support. As the Psalmist wrote, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” May you find comfort, honesty, and hope as you walk this journey—together with God and community.

For more resources, sermons, and service times, visit the websites or YouTube channels of Boulder’s churches featured above.