Does the Bible say anything about despair?

from the old testament

• After defeating the prophets of Baal and then running for his life from Jezebel, Elijah cried to God, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers" (1 Kings 19:4). He had reached a point of despair.
• Asaph, one of the psalmists, wrote, "my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:2–3). Seeing the wicked prosper caused Asaph to despair.
• The Preacher in Ecclesiastes said, "I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 4:2–3). There are countless things that can cause us to despair in this fallen and broken world.

from the new testament

• Since despair is a lack of hope, the cure for despair is to look to our Living Hope—Jesus Christ. First Peter 1:3–9 highlights that our hope is alive through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, giving us an imperishable inheritance. Despite enduring trials, our faith is refined and leads to praise, glory, and honor when Christ is revealed. Though we haven't seen Him, we love and believe in Him, rejoicing with inexpressible joy as our faith secures our salvation.
• As Christians, we have no reason to despair because we have a Living Hope, who not only conquered death, but is working personally in our lives and is working all things for good (Romans 8:24–39).
• Paul writes of the time where he and his fellow servants in Christ despaired of life (2 Corinthians 1:8-10). However, even in this, they saw God at work: “But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again" (2 Corinthians 1:9–10).
• In 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, Paul also says he was "afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed." While he may have reached the end of himself, which could lead some to despair, he also saw God’s hand working through it.
• God uses our difficult experiences and draws us out of despair, so we will rely on God and not ourselves, and He gives us comfort that we, in turn, can share with others (2 Corinthians 1:3–7; 4:7–18).
• Paul could live in the midst of suffering without falling into despair because he knew that "this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17–18).
• Paul realized that there is more to our lives than the immediate experiences we have on this earth (2 Corinthians 4:16).
• We were created to live for eternity, and our hope is in our Savior, who secured that eternity for us to be spent in glory. Paul says in another letter, "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). The sufferings are beneficial for us now and for eternity.

implications for today

In the midst of despair, it can be hard to change your mindset. In addition to the Scriptures quoted above, there are some other biblical truths that we can grab hold of when we are tempted to despair:

"When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all" (Psalm 34:17–19).

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6–7).

"When I thought, 'My foot slips,' your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul" (Psalm 94:18–19).

You might be in a place where you are currently struggling to have hope. Remind yourself that, like it was for Paul, you are going through a season that will eventually pass. You will again be in a place where joy and praise come easily, and there are things for which you can be grateful, even now (Ecclesiastes 3:1–13). If you are struggling with falling into despair, surround yourself with the truth of God's Word and remind yourself of God's promises. Don't be afraid or ashamed to share this struggle with a mature believer, who might be able to help you through this time and remind of you the truth that you are struggling to believe. Despair can lead us to isolate ourselves, but the family of God can encourage us and walk alongside us in difficult times, so refuse to believe the lie that you must suffer alone (Romans 12:15). If you struggle with depression, you should consider seeing a Christian counselor and getting whatever medical help you might need. Oftentimes, when tempted by despair, the most we can do is have the attitude displayed in Psalm 43:5, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."