The term "despondent" refers to a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage. In the context of the Bible, despondency is often depicted as a spiritual struggle, where individuals face overwhelming circumstances that lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness. The Bible addresses this condition through various narratives and teachings, offering guidance and encouragement to those experiencing such emotions.

Biblical Examples of Despondency

1. Elijah: One of the most notable examples of despondency in the Bible is the prophet Elijah. After his victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled from Queen Jezebel, who sought his life. In 1 Kings 19:4, Elijah, overwhelmed and fearful, sat under a broom tree and prayed that he might die, saying, "I have had enough, LORD. Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers." Despite his despair, God provided for Elijah's needs and spoke to him in a gentle whisper, renewing his strength and purpose.

2. David: King David frequently expressed feelings of despondency in the Psalms. In Psalm 42:5, he writes, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence." David's psalms often reflect a journey from despair to hope, as he turns to God for comfort and reassurance.

3. Job: The account of Job is another profound example of despondency. After losing his wealth, children, and health, Job lamented his birth and questioned the purpose of his suffering. In Job 3:11, he asks, "Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb?" Despite his intense suffering and questioning, Job ultimately remained faithful to God, who restored his fortunes and blessed him abundantly.

Biblical Teachings on Overcoming Despondency

The Bible offers several teachings and promises to help believers overcome despondency:

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Believers are encouraged to trust in God's plan and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. Romans 8:28 assures, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

2. Prayer and Supplication: Philippians 4:6-7 advises believers to present their requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, promising that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

3. Hope in Christ: The New Testament emphasizes the hope found in Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul writes, "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." This hope is rooted in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

4. Community and Support: The Bible encourages believers to support one another in times of despondency. Galatians 6:2 instructs, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Conclusion

While despondency is a common human experience, the Bible provides numerous examples and teachings to guide believers through such times. By trusting in God's sovereignty, engaging in prayer, finding hope in Christ, and seeking support from the faith community, believers can navigate the challenges of despondency and find renewed strength and purpose.(a.) Disheartened; low-spirited; as, a despondent manner; a despondent prisoner.120. athumeo -- to gather
... Speech: Verb Transliteration: athumeo Phonetic Spelling: (ath-oo-meh'-o) Short
Definition: I lose heart Definition: I lose heart, am despondent, am disheartened ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/120.htm - 5k3512a. kaah -- to be disheartened or timid
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to be disheartened or timid NASB Word Usage
despondent (1), disheartened (2). 3512, 3512a. kaah. 3512b . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/3512a.htm - 5k

Moses Despondent
... THE BOOK OF NUMBERS MOSES DESPONDENT. 'I am not able to bear all this people alone,
because it is too heavy for me.' NUM. xi.14. Detail the circumstances. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/moses despondent.htm

Thou Shalt have no Other Gods Before Me.
... the midst of Paradise. On the other hand, he who has none doubts and is
despondent, as though he knew of no God. For very few are ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt have no other.htm

What the Redbird Told Me
... But the brightness outside seemed to find no reflection in me. I had been confined
to my bed for more than six months. I was gloomy and despondent. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk seventeen what the redbird.htm

Thomas' Test.
... Let us also go, that we may die with Him""an utterance in which his devoted loyalty
to his Master, his dogged courage, and his despondent temperament are all ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxiii thomas test.htm

Jesus and Thomas.
... tendency. The beauty of the world loses half its charm in the eyes which
see all things in the hue of despondent feeling. Slightest ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter viii jesus and thomas.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... THE GUIDING PILLAR. HOBAB. THE HALLOWING OF WORK AND OF REST. MOSES DESPONDENT.
AFRAID OF GIANTS. WEIGHED, AND FOUND WANTING. MOSES THE INTERCESSOR. SERVICE A GIFT ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/

"The Tender Mercy of Our God"
... especially to a broken heart. To one who is despondent and despairing, this
word is life from the dead. A great sinner, much bruised ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the tender mercy of our.htm

Preface.
... Should this book be the means of lifting up some weary, despondent soul, or succeed
in turning some sinner from the error of his way, or helping some deceived ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /preface.htm

The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
... Sunshine? It is said she used to be sad, broken-hearted, fearful, and
despondent, and that she lived long in the Valley of Sighs. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter ten the torments of.htm

The Lord's Prayer. Our Father who Art in Heaven.
... pray, or as though it were commanded those who are holier and in better favor with
God than we; as, indeed, the human heart is by nature so despondent that it ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/the lords prayer our father.htm

Despondent (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Disheartened; low-spirited; as, a despondent manner;
a despondent prisoner. Multi-Version Concordance Despondent (1 Occurrence). ...
/d/despondent.htm - 6k

Faint (76 Occurrences)
... See Fainting, n. 7. (n.) To sink into dejection; to lose courage or spirit; to become
depressed or despondent. 8. (n.) To decay; to disappear; to vanish. ...
/f/faint.htm - 38k

Elijah (104 Occurrences)
... Here the Lord appeared unto him and said, "What dost thou here, Elijah?" In answer
to his despondent words God manifests to him his glory, and then directs him ...
/e/elijah.htm - 71k

Despondency (1 Occurrence)

/d/despondency.htm - 6k

Despondently (1 Occurrence)

/d/despondently.htm - 6k

Countenance (67 Occurrences)
... 1:18 Nehemiah 2:2, 3 Ecclesiastes 7:3). The countenance is "sharpened" ie made keen
(Proverbs 27:17); it "falls," ie looks despondent, disappointed (Genesis 4:5 ...
/c/countenance.htm - 30k

Iscariot (11 Occurrences)
... According to Matthew, the actual condemnation of Jesus awakened Judas' sense of
guilt, and becoming still more despondent at his repulse by the chief priests ...
/i/iscariot.htm - 25k

Judas (42 Occurrences)
... According to Matthew, the actual condemnation of Jesus awakened Judas' sense of
guilt, and becoming still more despondent at his repulse by the chief priests ...
/j/judas.htm - 45k

Heartless (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Without a heart. 2. (a.) Destitute of courage; spiritless; despondent.
3. (a.) Destitute of feeling or affection; unsympathetic; cruel. ...
/h/heartless.htm - 7k

Who was Cleopas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How can I help someone who is suicidal? | GotQuestions.org

Who was C.S. Lewis? | GotQuestions.org

Despondent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus