Source: Faith Bible Institute Study Guide - Volume IV
We may be shocked that such a bold prophet of faith could so quickly have become a fearful and fleeing prophet who sunk into suicidal depression and despair. However, this portion of Scripture teaches us several truths concerning the causes and cures of depression.
- The Who of Depression: The first thing we must learn is that no one is immune to depression.
a. Spirituality does not guarantee that you will not battle depression.
b. It does, however, give us access to Scriptural Principles and Scriptural Power to deal with and conquer depression. Elijah did not flee, but he knew to Whom to run. - The Why of Depression: Elijah's depression was caused by a number of factors.
a. Prolonged Emotional Stress - after hiding out for 3.5 years.
b. Extreme Emotional Stress - in facing the prophets of Baal.
c. Emotional Fatigue - which follows joy as well as sorrow.
d. Disappointment - after his great victory was followed by threats on his life instead of revival (the triggering event).
e. Isolationism - feeling he alone still served God.
f. Physical Fatigue - caused by his great journeys
g. Physical Weakness - caused by his lack of food.
h. Satanic Opposition - It has been often been Satan's ploy to attack us just after great spiritual victory, when we are tempted to drop our guard and prone to pride and self-sufficiency. - The How of Dealing with Depression (from Elijah's example):
a. Recognize that God must be part of your solution from the first - Elijah headed straight from the Mountain of Baal to the Mountain of God.
b. Deal with Physical and Fatigue factors at the start - God caused Elijah to eat and sleep before the first word of counsel. (1 Kings 19: 5-7)
c. Seek Spiritual (and Scriptural) counsel. (1 Kings 19:9-10, 15)
d. Spend time in the presence of God in honest prayer and listening to His Word. (1 Kings 19:9-14)
e. Get busy - stay active even when you don't feel like it. (1 Kings 19:15a)
f. Find God's purpose for your life and fulfill it. (1 Kings 19:15b-17)
g. Recognize that you are not alone. (1 Kings 19:18)
h. Get back around other people and develop good relationships. (1 Kings 19:19-21)
