SCRIPTURE
“He traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” 1 Kings 19:8c
SPOTLIGHT
Is it possible for a Christian to experience depression? The answer is yes! Unfortunately, there are too many Christians who feel that depression should never be experienced because it is not God’s will. They make believers who experience depression to feel like they are sinning. The truth is that depression is not God’s will but Christians experience depression. Jonah did and so did Elijah.
Some of the symptoms of a believer’s depression may be:
1. You do not desire to know, love or worship God. You are not interested in personal devotions or church.
2. Life is perceived as rough, tough and out-of-control. You think you may as well give up.
3. Motivation, attitude and feelings are at an all-time low.
4. The future is not exciting but dismal.
Elijah, the great preacher and man of God was marked by all of the above. He had just called down fire from heaven on the water-soaked sacrifice. It had been consumed in moments and so had all the altar of rocks where the sacrifice laid. [1Kings 18]. God had greatly used him but Jezebel promised to kill him for all he had done. [1 Kings 19:1,2]. The Bible says, “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.” [1 Kings 19:3]. Why did one woman’s threat impact this mighty man of God?
Here are 3 causes of Elijah’s depression and maybe yours as well:
1. Physical Exhaustion:
Elijah did not rest after the miracle. He stopped in the wrong place - at Jezebel’s door. Do you take time to rest each week by taking a day of rest? Do you rest at the right places? After accomplishing big projects, do you take time off to recuperate?
2. Emotional Exhaustion:
Elijah feared for his life after having just witnessed Almighty God do one of the greatest miracles ever recorded in the Bible. He was emotionally drained and physically exhausted which led him to allow fear to overrule what he knew about God. Do you forget what you know about God when fear strikes? Do you forget that He never changes and never leaves you even when fear threatens you? God does not fear anything or anyone!
3. Spiritual Exhaustion:
Elijah’s fear led to his impatience which led to his disobedience. Read the story: 1 Kings 18:20-19:18. After Jezebel’s threat, he did not allow God to work the situation out for His glory. Do you move ahead of God?
SOMETHING TO DO
Get alone with God. Elijah met God in a fresh, new way at the mountain of God. You too need to do that. Try doing this. Find a quiet, secluded place. Maybe go for a walk in the forest or on a mountain. Take along a pad of paper and pencil and begin to pray and ponder about identifying past symptoms of when you were physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you insights in your past life as to what brought these experiences into your life. Then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how you can avoid these situations in the future.
Write down some steps you can take to face the possibility of depression. Do not leave the mountain of God (God’s presence), until you have some answers. Be assured, your loving Heavenly Father wants you to experience victory in the valley of depression.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are Almighty God who knows everything about me. Would You please show to me insights so that I might avoid in the future becoming depressed. Thank You for loving and caring for me in all situations and experiences. And thank You for being patient with me. AMEN!