1. Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them." 3. Elijah [AF1] was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4. while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."
Today, let’s explore some stressful contributing factors exemplified by Elijah leading to depression.
First are unfulfilled expectations. Certainly, a threat to life arouses a variety of feelings, most certainly anxiety, nervousness, and worry, but the depression came to Elijah. After having the great victory on Mt. Carmel and the rains finally came after a prolonged drought, some turned to the Lord. Elijah expected a revival in the whole land where even the King would repent. Ahab went back to his house and told queen Jezebel what God had done. Instead of repentance Jezebel threatened the life of Elijah. How could she be blind to the power of God or the consequences of opposing Him?
I experience discouragement, if not depression, when expectations fall short in the attendance at special events in the church. I experience down feelings when I pray for salvation and not many come to faith in Christ. I question my own limitations and inabilities. However, I can’t force change in others; I can only control myself.
The rejection Elijah experienced was not personal rejection, it was the King’s rejection of the Lord.
The second contributing factor was Elijah’s emotional drain and stress. He felt so low he wanted to die. He felt sorry for himself.
Depression is often anger that is turned inward. It can result in self-pity
Jump ahead to verse 14 for Elijah’s explanation is explained. “I am the only one serving you.” He thinks, “It isn’t fair, Lord. After I did this tremendous thing, all the people were supposed to turn to you and they didn’t. Poor me. Isn’t it a shame I might as well die’.
Thirdly was physical exhaustion. Elijah ran for his life more than 100 miles to Beersheba in Judah. He was just plain exhausted!
He hadn’t eaten properly either. Doctors have noticed that the lack of food that provides energy affects one’s general outlook. Christian psychologist, Clyde Narramore stressed the importance of how much one’s physical health affects their spiritual, psychological, emotional health and vice versa. Burnout hit Elijah. He was tired, lacked sleep, over stressed his body and mind, and had not refueled his body’s needs. No wonder he experienced depression.
Application: How would you evaluate your life and circumstances right now? Where is God in it?
Prayer: Lord, keep me focused on You so that I can balance the things in my life and be diligent in my walk with You, in a way that is pleasing in Your sight.
