Depression

What is depression?  According to Merriam-Webster'sonline dictionary, it is “a pressing down,” a “state of feeling sad or dejected,” or simply “low.”  We’ve all been there at some point in our lives.  Believers and unbelievers, men and women, the old and often the very young, experience depression at some point in our lives.

I listened to a teaching this week by Dr.Ray Vinson entitled Six Steps to Defeating Depression, an audio CD produced by The Institute for Biblical Leadership.  What a timely and excellent teaching!

Elijah was one of the greatest prophets who ever lived, but he also experienced depression.  We find his story in 1 Kings 19, right after his great victory on Mt. Carmel, where he challenges the 450 prophets of Baal in a splendid display of God’s power, and not only wins the challenge, but “smokes” the competition (pardon the pun)!  So after this awesome time of showing Baal & his prophets for the fakes they are, he receives a threat from Jezebel.  She’s going to kill him.  So he sits down and says, “That’s it.  Why even try anymore?  I’m all alone.  I’m done.”  I think we could say that Elijah was depressed.

So how did Elijah get “un-depressed?”  Here are a few things that I noticed in this chapter … I’m not saying this is the all-out iron-clad formula for beating the big “D” … No, these are just some things that I noticed.

1)   Verse 5.  He woke up.  He decided to live.  When we’re depressed the first step to getting out is to make a decision to get out.  Sounds simple, doesn’t it?  Not so simple when you’re in the pit, but I believe this is the first step.

2)   Verse 6.  He ate.  We must feed ourselves (spirit, soul, and body) with things that are beneficial.  This can include eating right, taking supplements, reading books, listening to excellent teachings, reading the Bible – things that provide nourishment.

Mark with Rosie

3)   Verse 6.  He rested.  We, too, need adequate sleep, as well as restful activities.  For some, painting provides rest; for others, it may be playing a musical instrument or horseback riding, taking a nature walk or fishing, or playing volleyball.

4)   Verse 8.  He went when God said to go.  This is where the first three become vitally important.  Elijah had a very long journey, and he needed all the determination, rest, and nourishment that he had been taking in.  We need to be ready to carry out whatever task that God gives us to do.

5)   Verses 9-18.  He communed with God.  This involves both listening and answering when God asks a question.  Prayer is not a one-way street; it is a two-way conversation with our heavenly Father.

6)   Verses 19-21.  He turned his attention to Elisha.  Now, maybe I’m reading too much into this, but it seems to me that the final step in defeating depression is to focus on someone else.  It’s funny, isn’t it, that Elijah thought he was the only one left who was serving God, but the last thing recorded in this chapter is his calling Elisha to follow him.  Maybe the lesson is this:  When you think you’re the only one left, go find someone and make a disciple!

Beloved child of the Most High, I pray this helps you.  Be blessed!

Peace,

Davina