1 Kings 19:4–5 (ESV): 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree…”
There are many causes of depression. For Elijah, circumstances brought him low. He felt like a failure after watching God do so many miraculous things in the land of Israel. He was hoping for a revival, but it didn't come. God’s servants must guard themselves against growing weary in doing good.
After Elijah defeated the 450 prophets of Baal and killed them, he told Ahab to prepare for rain. Elijah prayed and sent his servant to look for a cloud over the sea. On the seventh time, his servant returned saying, “A little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.” Elijah then told Ahab to hightail it home to Jezreel. When Ahab told Jezebel about what Elijah had done she vowed to kill him. This put Elijah in a state of depression where he prayed for God to take his life. He was so discouraged by the response of what God had done on Mt. Carmel.
How do you respond to the lack of response when God moves mightily? Like Elijah, we can find ourselves depressed by the non-response of our countrymen. We must never allow that to stop us from doing good. God will meet you in your depression and encourage you to stay the course. Don't give up on His plan. Keep your hand to the plow regardless of the response. This is the call of all God’s people. Be encouraged, God is at work.
Father, we pray for anyone who is facing depression of any kind. Encourage them today, Lord! Help them to get their eyes on You and off the people we pray in Jesus' name, amen.
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