DAYS OF ELIJAH - “Dealing with Depression”

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, especially the part about him killing all the prophets of Baal with a sword. Jezebel sent a messenger to tell Elijah, ‘May the gods do the same to me and even more if tomorrow about this time I haven’t made you like one of those prophets you had killed.’ Elijah was terrified . . . and ran for a day’s journey deep into the wilderness. He found a broom tree, sat down under it, and prayed that he could die. He asked God, ‘Enough! Lord! Take my life, because I’m not better than my ancestors!’ ” (1 Kings 19:1-4)
     Passage: Psalm 147:1-11

One of the biggest public health crises in America is depression. One survey found that 1 in 4 workers reported severe signs and symptoms of burnout and 83% said they were emotionally drained from stress in the workplace. Depression is characterized by feelings of loneliness, frustration and despair. Depression has many symptoms. Some of which are severe agitation, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, loss of interest in something a person enjoyed, withdrawal from relationships and even thoughts of suicide.

When James wrote that “Elijah was a man just like us” (James 5:17), he may have been thinking of the time when Elijah experienced a deep depression. It came after he had three years of seeing God’s provision, protection and power during the drought. It came after he experienced the power of God falling on the altar to bring about a revival in Israel and a cleansing of the land by ridding it of pagan prophets of Baal. The word that Jezebel was going to kill him sent him into a time of depression. In that experience, God helped Elijah to deal with depression and come out stronger on the other side. He will help you too whenever you deal with depression as well.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)