Spiritual Beliefs
There is hope for the depressed
By Dr. Tim Huie Pastor, First Baptist Church, Jackson

How did God treat Elijah's depression in 1 Kings 19? There are several key things that He did for his depressed prophet. The first was relief and rest (vs 5-9a). God allowed Elijah to withdraw from the things that had caused him to crash. He said, "Come away from those people and pressures, and rest!" Now, withdrawal is one of the symptoms of depression, but this is different. Elijah wasn't hiding, he was called aside to rest and renew himself. People with depression have to get away from the pressures that caused them to crash, and rest and renew themselves!

Next, He allowed Elijah to vent. (vs 9b, 13b). God knew that Elijah didn't need to keep this anger and resentment bottled up inside him. "What's brought you to this place Elijah? Tell me about it!" Depressed people need someone to talk to about what's going on inside them. Maybe a spouse or friend, or maybe a pastor or a professional Christian counselor.

Venting was followed by new but lighter tasks (vs 15-16). After a period of rest and renewal, God put him back to work. This time he didn't have to stand up to the king or call down fire, just some light stuff. God told him to anoint a couple of kings and a new prophet. Counselors call this, "active rest." After you get back on your feet a little, you need to go back to the work God has given you, but with new and lighter tasks.

Elijah also needed a helper and friend (vs 19-ff). God sent Elisha to help him, to be his companion, and eventually take over his ministry. If you are going through the crash-andburn cycle, you need a friend to help you, support you, pray for you and hold you accountable.

If you go through depression, you may have to do many or all of the things Elijah did. Most depressed people need to go a step further, and seek medical treatment. You might say, "I believe in the sufficiency of Christ. I don't need medication." I believe in the sufficiency of Christ as well. But, if He chooses to express His sufficiency through the means of medication, who are you to limit Him? What arrogance for us to tell God how He may express His sufficiency!

Depression is treatable. If you are going through it right now, it may seem that there is no hope and no help, but there is!

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