Verse a Prayer

Bible verses for sadness

The Bible is in no hurry to pull anyone out of sadness. A third of the psalms are laments — prayers of sad, weary, sometimes angry people — and they were kept as Scripture. Psalm 30 admits that weeping may last a whole night before joy comes in the morning; Psalm 42 talks to its own downcast soul; Jesus calls those who mourn blessed. The verses on this page are for a bad day, for a gray season, for comforting a friend and for anyone who feels the sadness without being able to explain it. They do not ask you to pretend to be fine. If the sadness lasts for weeks and takes away sleep, appetite and the desire to do what you enjoy, seek professional help: it may be depression, and depression is treatable.

  1. Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.

    Psalms 34:18See in the chapter

  2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

    Matthew 5:4See in the chapter

  3. For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

    Psalms 30:5See in the chapter

  4. Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

    John 16:22See in the chapter

  5. Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence.

    Psalms 42:5See in the chapter

  6. We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed;

    2 Corinthians 4:8-9See in the chapter

  7. Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

    Psalms 126:5See in the chapter

  8. to provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that he may be glorified.

    Isaiah 61:3See in the chapter

Frequently asked questions

Which verse says joy comes in the morning?

Psalm 30:5: "weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning".

Which verse can I send to someone who is sad?

Psalm 34:18 ("the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart") and Matthew 5:4. Send a line of your own with it; the verse alone can feel distant.

Is sadness a lack of faith?

No. Jesus wept, David wept, Jeremiah wrote a whole book of lamentations. Sadness brought to God is prayer, not failure.

See also

ComfortVerses to comfort and be comforted: the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, the valley of the shadow, rest for the weary.DepressionVerses for those going through depression: the God who hears the cry, lifts from the pit and sustains — and an invitation to seek help.GriefVerses for those who have lost someone: the Lord close to the brokenhearted, the hope of the resurrection and comfort.

Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.