i am all alone
This week’s Takeaway is from Pastor Roy, who, along with being a pastor, is a licensed clinical counselor specializing in family and marriage therapy.
Elijah, (not to be confused with the prophet Elisha), prophesied and served God under one of the most wicked kings of Israel, Ahab. Both Ahab and his wife Jezebel despised the things of God, and His prophets were particular targets of their wrath.Jezebel was a Phoenician princess, and upon marrying Ahab, brought the worship of pagan gods Baal (god of rain, wind, and fertility) and Asharah (goddess of motherhood and fertility) to Israel. Jezebel is so incredibly evil that in Revelation 2, John uses her name to describe the enticement of the church at Thyatira into sexual immorality.
In 1 Kings 18, Elijah squares off against the prophets of Baal, defeating them and demonstrating God’s power and the reality of Him as the one true God. Ezekiel then has the prophets of Baal executed, and in one final, stinging blow, calls for God to end the drought that Baal, god of rain, was unable to end. God sends the rain, once again proving His sovereignty and the falsehood of Baal worship. Jezebel is furious and vows to have Elijah’s head. Knowing this is no empty threat, Elijah flees to a cave in the mountains and falls into a deep depression (1 Kings 19:1-18). If we were to diagnose his mental state, we’d say Elijah experienced major depression with manic episodes.
Can you identify with Elijah? Have you had a time in your life when you felt on top of the world only to have an event, person, or circumstance change everything in a moment?
Things to Know About Depression
Depression is usually a negative, spinning thought about a person, event, or situation. Elijah’s depression is based on the thought that he alone remains faithful to God. (1 Kings 19:10)
Depression and anxiety are sister diagnoses. Depression and anxiety are always together and the methods for treating them are the same. We see this in Elijah. He was afraid of Jezebel’s threat and had decided all hope was lost because she had killed off prophets before. He knew hers was no idle threat.
Depression takes a lot of energy and purpose in life. Elijah saw only his need to worry and run. He hid in the wilderness and was so tired that he didn’t eat. This is common in depression and leads to low energy.
Depressed people choose isolation. Elijah left his servant in Beersheba, determined to be all alone. Isolation leads to deeper depression. Instead, go against your feelings and seek out community and relationships. Choosing isolation from the family of God and church can keep you away for good. Belonging and acceptance are the two of the most important needs for humans. Tanking thoughts will keep you in that negative place and never allow you to heal.
Depressed people seek escape. Elijah first escapes the threat into the wilderness and then heads to Horeb and Mt. of God.
Depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. Elijah came to the place where he just wanted to die. He said “I’m done! I’m no better than my ancestors and I am ready to die.”
Has there been a time or a season in your life when you have battled anxiety and depression? How did you deal with it?
Elijah literally hid in the wilderness and then avoided dealing with his emotions by sleeping. Where do you hide or find your escape? Substance abuse? Unhealthy relationships? Food? Working out?
How can eGroups or volunteering with an outreach team help with depression?
Elijah’s Treatment for Depression
He accepted physical help.
God sends an angel to prepare a meal and offers fresh water. You cannot heal your mind by starving your body. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health is to eat a snack and take a nap.
He spoke up about how he was feeling.
Elijah acknowledges his depression and is honest with God. God cannot heal what you won’t confess. He knows your heart and your need, so be honest with Him and reach out to someone who will listen and help you find the help you need.
He discovered the many who were like him.
In his misery, Elijah had forgotten there were another 100 prophets hidden in nearby caves and 7000 people who had not submitted to Baal. Depression warps your perspective and lies about your circumstances.
He listened to the gentle voice of God.
This is the most important piece. All his life, Elijah had heard the voice of the Lord and did what he needed to do. Now, in this cave, he hears God’s voice and sees His power, not in the fire or mighty wind, but in a quiet voice. God was close enough to whisper and for Elijah to hear. It showed intimacy, love, and attention.
Nowhere in this story do we see God being angry with Elijah for His depression. Instead, He sends an angel to minister and tend to Elijah’s needs. He is so close that He speaks to Elijah in a whisper, and Elijah hears. That same comfort, presence, and power are ours if we only ask.
Do you believe depression is more of a spiritual or a medical battle? Why?
How can we protect ourselves from disappointment, especially after a season of spiritual “success” or victory?
Think about the times in your life when you felt most lonely. What was helpful during those times?
Make a move:
The past few years have been difficult for many of us. Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Is there someone in your life who might be feeling isolated or alone? How can you reach out to them today?
Prayer:
Thank you that you never change, even when everything around me seems chaotic and unpredictable. Thank you that you are stable, even when I feel so very unstable. I need You to sustain me, protect me, and enable me to stand. I’m struggling. My emotions are unsettled and I can’t shake feelings of deep sadness.
Help me to see if there is something physical causing my depression and sift through my circumstances to see if there are areas I need to change. Help me to identify unhealthy relationships and patterns, and give me Your strength so I have the courage to take the next step. If my depression is a result of a spiritual battle, please bring that to light and show me the best way to fight.
Please lead me to the right source for help. Thank you for understanding what I am going through and thank you for including in Scripture that even Jesus struggled with His emotions. He was distressed, grieved, faced loneliness, experienced deep sorrow, and after the death of John, He went into isolation (Matthew 14:13). He cried in prayer (Hebrews 5:7-9), and at times he was overwhelmingly sad (Isaiah 53:3). There was even a time when he was afraid his body would not survive the anguish he felt. (Matthew 26:38)
Send someone to help carry my burden and give me wise counsel. Help me to speak up about my struggle, unashamed, so that I can move forward and live the rich, fulfilled life You have waiting for me. Amen
If you are feeling lonely or depressed, please don’t be afraid to speak up and seek help. Go to expectation.church/mental-health for a list of mental health resources or reach out to one of our pastors.
Do you need prayer? Have feedback? Want to share something? Reach out to our staff.
Worship Set: You Keep Hope Alive I Graves Into Gardens I Who You Say I Am - Reckless Love I What A Beautiful Name