BIBLICAL PRESCRIPTION FOR DEPRESSION

At one time or another, we have all felt depressed. Websters II New College Dictionary defines depression as "an area sunk below its surroundings." When youre depressed, thats exactly how you feel - sunk below everything around you.

Because depression is viewed as negative, many Christians who suffer from depression now and again have come to believe that something is wrong with them because of the depressed feelings. After all, they are taught to believe, Christians are joyful. Therefore, if you are not filled with joy, theres something wrong with your relationship with God.

Sometimes there are very deep psychological reasons behind depression. There could even be severe biological reasons. Under these particular conditions, professional medical assistance is needed.

However, the majority of the time when we feel depressed, it is a temporary feeling of being sad and blue. During these times, we lose interest in things that before have filled us with joy, we dont want to be around others, and we lose hope that our circumstances will change.

We are going to take a look at someone that most consider a spiritual giant who went through a period of depression and look at the remedy God used to turn the depression around.

I Kings 19 describes the experience of Elijah - the same Elijah who in the previous chapter single-handedly killed 450 Baal priests. When Queen Jezebel heard that 450 of her priests had been slaughtered, she put a price on Elijahs head. When Elijah heard this, he got scared and discouraged and ran (I Kings 19:3).

Instead of facing the threat, Elijah went 80 miles in the opposite direction to avoid the problem (verse 3). Once he arrived at Beersheba in Judah, he wanted to go off and be depressed by himself. So he left his servant and went walking a days journey into the wilderness (verse 4). It wasnt enough for Elijah to be off by himself, the surroundings had to be especially brown, dry, and discouraging.

He found the most pitiful lonely tree and laid down under it. Then he asked God if he could just die (verse 4). Does this sound like the mighty prophet of God?

Elijah falls asleep, an angel fed him, Elijah slept again, and the angel fed him again (verses 6 and 7). After regaining his strength, Elijah made a 6-week journey to Mount Horeb (verse 8).

At Mount Horeb, God said something very interesting to Elijah. "(A)nd behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah?" (verse 9).

And most pitifully Elijah tells the Lord that he has worked and worked in Gods service, he is the ONLY ONE in all of Israel still worshipping God, and everyone he knows is out to kill him (verse 10). Ever feel like that?

It is evident that Elijah has sunk into depression because there is no hope in his outlook.

After a strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire, God spoke to Elijah in a quiet voice. God told Elijah to go back home, but to go a different way. On Elijahs way back he was to anoint a new king over Judah, a new king over Israel, and a new prophet apprentice (verses 15 and 16). And then He reminded Elijah that there were still 7,000 people in Israel who remained true to God.

What can we learn from all of this about overcoming depression?

1) We can be comforted that depression hits even the spiritual giants among us. Depression is not an indication of our level of spirituality. God did not condemn Elijah for being depressed, and He will not condemn us either.

2) We can be on the lookout because many times depression hits after an extreme spiritual high - like killing 450 Baal prophets on Mount Carmel. Depression can also hit when we are bone tired - like racing 20 miles ahead of Ahabs chariot in the rain (I Kings 18:46).

3) We need time to rest and eat. Things begin to look better when were no longer exhausted.

4) We need some exercise. When depressed, we tend to sit down under the lone tree and remain there. Moving around gets the blood flowing and helps us feel better.

5) We need to keep the communication lines open to God, even if we dont feel His presence. After being on a spiritual high, we tend to look for Him in the wind, fire, and earthquake missing what Hes trying to tell us. Instead we need to listen for His quiet voice.

6) Sometimes we need to make small changes in life. Elijah was to go back home, but go a different way.

7) We need to do something for someone else. When we take our eyes off of our circumstances and focus on meeting the needs of others, we ourselves are helped.

8) We need a support system. Elijah had worn himself out by performing all the prophet duties himself. God gave him Elisha as an apprentice to take away some of the burden.

9) We need to remember we are not alone. The enemy likes to isolate us, much like hunting lions isolate a wounded caribou. When we feel like we are the only ones going through a trial, it is easier for the enemy to overtake us.

Isnt it wonderful how God has provided answers for every area of our lives in His Word? He loves each one of us as a whole person, and He ministers to all of our needs.

Amen!