Mysty PfefferWe all have seasons of spiritual depression. They are swift, painful, and sometimes debilitating. There are times when my focus is on the “what if” rather than the “who can”. I feel it, I see it, and I know it can take over my thoughts if I don’t tune in to God’s voice.
As we finish week six of our Elijah study, we see how he also felt the impact of spiritual depression. Although he has the privilege of being God’s chosen instrument to prove God Almighty reigns over the entire earth and all inhabitants, he felt alone.
Take a moment to read 1 Kings 18:42-46 and 1 Kings 19 today and relish the highs and lows of obeying God the Father. May the deepness of God’s grace and compassion fill you and me in our season of spiritual depression as we tune in to God’s voice and realize we are not alone.
No sooner than the fire of God descended to consume the drenched offering on the altar, and the people said, Yahweh, He is God, did Elijah move into his next act of ministry. He did not rest, rejoice, or take nourishment. Instead, he bowed down to the ground and put his face between his knees to beg God to bring the long-awaited rain. Again, God delivers.
Elijah’s Example of Resting in God
Filled with the power of the LORD, Elijah tucks in his mantle and runs ahead of Ahab to Jezreel. Although physically filled with the power of God, one threat from his enemy zaps the energy out of him spiritually. Upon his arrival, Jezebel sends him the message; she wants him dead. He is overcome with fear and is on the run again. However, he leaves his servant to go into the wilderness alone. He says, “I have had enough! Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
Finally, after expressing his pain, fear, and fatigue to the Lord, Elijah lays down to sleep.
My friend, let the beauty of God’s warm arms wrap around you at this moment as you experience the angel touching Elijah and encouraging him to get up and eat. Can you hear the softness of his voice or feel the gentleness of his approach?
There at his head was a loaf of baked bread and a jug of water. Elijah eats and drinks, then rests some more. Again, the angel of the Lord returns to awaken Elijah and fill him with nourishment.
With renewed strength, Elijah heads to Mt Horeb, the mountain of God. It is here the word of the Lord comes to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (vs. 9b)
“I have been very zealous for the Lord God of Hosts, but the Israelites have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are looking for me to take my life.” 1 Kings 19:10
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The Truth of God’s Word Drowns Out the Enemy’s Lies
As I see God’s presence in the whisper and go on to read his reply to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:15-18, I am struck by His frankness. He does not placate Elijah’s fear. God gives him the facts; Elijah will anoint two new kings and a new prophet. There will also be a remnant of 7,000 in Israel that do not bow to Baal.
In other words, Jezebel’s threats are empty and useless in the presence, provision, and protection of God. Moreover, those dedicated to God will turn to God. It is not on Elijah’s shoulders to bring a nation to repentance but to be faithful in witnessing to those within his influence.
Sister, this is encouraging to me as well. When I feel a burden for someone, I can rest knowing God sees and hears their pain. I am also available to listen. Although the distress of my family, friends, coworkers, and people within my influence is important; it is not in my power to fix.
Spiritual Depression Becomes a Distant Memory
I know they are facing illness, complicated relationships, or spiritual depression. Even though I feel at a loss as to how I can help, I can pray for them faithfully.
Studying God’s word to the best of my ability is also helpful in equipping us both to understand Him better. Together we can watch the Holy Spirit work through our obedience.
Meanwhile, all the “what if” fears like illness, death, depraved cultures and my nation’s future lie before God the Father. I see Him at work in my unknown. I feel Him moving through circumstances outside of my control. My friend, Elijah helps me understand how to lift prayers for rest in the comfort of God’s presence. We too can eat and drink of his compassion and provision in our lives as we trust him in our seasons of lost hope. I hope God’s voice tunes the volume of spiritual depression to a faint and distant memory.
