Depression is a huge problem these days.
Most of us will battle some level of depression, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness at one time or another.
So, it should be reassuring to see that Elijah, one of the greatest prophets in the whole Bible, fought his own battle with fear and depression.
The full story is fascinating and worth reading in 1 Kings:17-19. The short version is that Elijah humiliated the beloved false prophets of Israel’s wicked Queen Jezebel. In her fury, she called down a curse from her god upon herself if Elijah was not killed within 24 hours. Elijah knew she meant business and was overcome with fear. Here was a man, who had always shown amazing courage in his life, now running for his life. He became so depressed that he cried out for God to just get it over with and strike him dead. Think about that…Elijah was so consumed by fear and depression that he was ready to give up and die.
Eventually, Elijah fell into a deep sleep. Look how God responded. Twice, the angel of the Lord awakened him and gave him food and water for nourishment. God knew that depression often causes physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion, so He allowed Elijah to simply eat and sleep.
So, what can we take away from this part of Elijah’s story?
- Spiritual LOWS often Follow Spiritual HIGHS. Sometimes the emotional or spiritual blues that set in after a spiritual mountaintop or an experience of great joy and victory in life are just the normal result of life’s ups and downs. The exhaustion of life’s emotional rollercoaster can cause us to be more susceptible to anxiety. We shouldn’t be surprised by that – sadly, that’s just life. What goes up will come back down.
- Nothing is Impossible with God. After witnessing such a miraculous victory at the hands of God, Elijah was consumed by fear as soon as he took his focus off God and placed it on Jezebel. When we refocus on the power of God, we can see those same problems and fears from a new perspective. Often those seemingly insurmountable problems and fears begin to look a whole lot smaller when viewed in comparison to God’s might and power.
- When we lose HOPE, we begin to HOPE for death. Hopelessness can easily engulf us. I know – twice when I was younger, I faced a time of prolonged depression that lasted over a year.
If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or hopelessness, let me offer you some advice on how to respond:
- Talk about it to God. I promise that God can handle it. He knows what you’re thinking anyway and wants to hear from you!
- Ask God’s forgiveness when you’ve gotten your focus out of whack and you’ve taken your eyes off of Him.
- Ask for help to let go of all the anger and self-pity. You can’t get rid of it in your own strength.
- Take it day by day. God doesn’t promise to give us strength for tomorrow, today. He gives us strength for today, today.
- Rest and eat right. It was important to God that Elijah rested and had proper nourishment. In the same way, this is important for us, too.
- Don’t quit. No matter how afraid you are, no matter how anxious you are about tomorrow, no matter how depressed and hopeless you feel, don’t quit! I promise that God will never, ever give up on you. There is always HOPE.
- Don’t battle it alone. Keeping it to yourself can intensify the pain. Talk to a trusted friend or pastor.
- If it persists or you become unable to function, consider seeking professional help. True clinical depression is a neurologic disorder that can be addressed medically.
Regardless, keep your eyes and your thoughts turned upward to God.
Remember, just as with Elijah, God will never, ever leave you.
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
