-October 25, 2022-
Good morning, happy Tuesday,
“And an angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, ‘Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.’ So he arose and eat and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.”
(1 Kings 19:7).
I used to think believers in Christ were immune from depression. I no longer think that way. We are human after all. Christians do get discouraged and at times for various reasons physically or emotionally can battle with depression. When Elijah was victorious over the the 450 prophets of Baal by the power of God, he was so happy and thankful. But it was short lived, for the devil attacked him with fear and doubts.
The evil queen Jezebel threatened to kill him and he ran for his life. He ended up in the wilderness, asking God to take his life. God’s servants can get discouraged to the point of depression. It could happen to a missionary, a pastor, or to you and me. In the case of Elijah God brought him through it. He sent His angel to bring him help. He told him, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” Sometimes food, water, and or sleep an do wonders. Sometimes medication could be needed. The Word of the Lord came him, speaking to him in a still small voice. God did not condemn him, but rather challenged, comforted, and encouraged him.
God loves us too much to let suffer alone without a solution. We should be very compassionate to those suffering depression or even discouragement. The Lord is so good. He shows this example, to teach us how to turn to the Lord and seek help from others. Being alone and not saying anything only makes things worse. Nowadays mental health issues are at the forefront of athletes, celebrities, government leaders, and many ordinary people. James tells us Elijah was a man with a nature like our’s… James 4:17a).
May the Lord help us to run to the Lord and cling to Him; it is important to tell someone and seek help. Have a blessed and safe day.
Seeking Christ when in a crisis,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 