Divine Help and Hope Amidst Depression: Lessons from the prophet Elijah
Depression is very common and is like a heavy cloud that can come over anyone, no matter how great they are- even pastors or leaders. Let's learn from the story of a prophet named Elijah how to deal with it.
1. What Causes Depression and How We React
Elijah had just done amazing things – like bringing rain after a long drought and calling down fire from the sky. But suddenly, they were swiftly eclipsed by the haunting words of Queen Jezebel. His experience underscores the idea that moments of triumph can be closely followed by periods of intense desolation. He felt depressed and even wanted to die.
2. How God Helps and Takes Care of Us
Elijah went away alone, but an angel came to him. This is like when we feel alone, God can send help in unexpected ways. The angel told Elijah to eat and rest. This reminds us that taking care of our body is important when we're sad. Also, God spoke to Elijah in a gentle voice, like a whisper in the wind. This tells us that even in our quiet moments, we can hear God's comforting voice if we listen carefully. Then corrected his wrong proclamation of being the sole survivor echoes the belief of many who endure depression. God intervened, revealing that companionship and empathy are available to those who seek them.
3. Finding Meaning and Doing Things That Matter
A common trait of depression is a lack of motivation paired with a yearning to remain immobile. Elijah's angelic prompt to rise and eat echoes the need for action in the face of despair. Although rest is vital, prolonged inactivity can exacerbate the condition, emphasizing the importance of discerning when to rise from desolation. Elijah was given a purpose – something important to do. This helped him feel better and find meaning in his life. In the same way, when we're feeling down, doing things that matter to us can help us feel better too.
Remember, just like Elijah learned, we can find ways to cope with sadness and depression. We can take care of ourselves, listen for God's comforting voice, and do things that give us purpose and happiness.
