It goes without saying that today, as never before, we are faced with many problems and issues that weigh heavily upon us as we strive just to make it through the day. These pressures and challenges can lead to bouts of depression in even the most stable individuals.
So, it is good to know there is relief for people who learn to look to a source that exceeds their highest expectation. God is that higher source.
In reading the word of God, we become familiar with an Old Testament prophet name Elijah (1 Kings 19). Elijah is probably the last person we would expect to suffer from depression, but he did. In his case, it occurred after one of his greatest victories. After he defeated the prophets of Baal, Elijah received a death threat from Queen Jezebel. This caused him to become despondent. He said he wanted to die. God came to Elijah’s rescue — as he has rescued so many.
Let’s follow Elijah’s path to understand how God brought him to a point of rejuvenation. First of all, the Lord did not scold Elijah for his despondency, but led him to a place where he was fed by an unlikely source: a raven. The raven brought Elijah provisions every morning and afternoon. This shows that God cares about us and will meet our primary, physical needs.
Next, God helped Elijah redirect his focus by giving him a new mission. Often, depression will force a person into a proverbial “rut.” We sometimes have to be reminded that we really count. We have a lot to offer those around us, and so did Elijah. God gave Elijah someone to train and mentor.
Finally, God reminded Elijah that he was not alone. God promised never to leave us or forsake us. We, too, can look to God and our families, friends, neighbors and associates to fill lonely voids. There is always someone there to encourage us, but we must look for them.
As we face pressures and challenges, let us remember that God loves us and wants to lead us to a place of rejuvenation and a vision of Him.
Lockett is pastor of Pillar and Zion in Walthourville
So, it is good to know there is relief for people who learn to look to a source that exceeds their highest expectation. God is that higher source.
In reading the word of God, we become familiar with an Old Testament prophet name Elijah (1 Kings 19). Elijah is probably the last person we would expect to suffer from depression, but he did. In his case, it occurred after one of his greatest victories. After he defeated the prophets of Baal, Elijah received a death threat from Queen Jezebel. This caused him to become despondent. He said he wanted to die. God came to Elijah’s rescue — as he has rescued so many.
Let’s follow Elijah’s path to understand how God brought him to a point of rejuvenation. First of all, the Lord did not scold Elijah for his despondency, but led him to a place where he was fed by an unlikely source: a raven. The raven brought Elijah provisions every morning and afternoon. This shows that God cares about us and will meet our primary, physical needs.
Next, God helped Elijah redirect his focus by giving him a new mission. Often, depression will force a person into a proverbial “rut.” We sometimes have to be reminded that we really count. We have a lot to offer those around us, and so did Elijah. God gave Elijah someone to train and mentor.
Finally, God reminded Elijah that he was not alone. God promised never to leave us or forsake us. We, too, can look to God and our families, friends, neighbors and associates to fill lonely voids. There is always someone there to encourage us, but we must look for them.
As we face pressures and challenges, let us remember that God loves us and wants to lead us to a place of rejuvenation and a vision of Him.
Lockett is pastor of Pillar and Zion in Walthourville