Victory and Depression

I'm fascinated, maybe perplexed by Elijah's emotional swing from victory on Mt. Carmel to depression in the desert. What caused him to get to the place where he would ask God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4)?

He seemed to have a vibrant relationship with God, and his ministry was powerful. God spoke with him, giving him messages to deliver and assignments to carry out. God even provided his nutritional needs during the drought by sending food by raven delivery (1 Kings 17:6)! God enabled him to do miracles as well: multiplying flour and oil for the widow, raising her son from the dead, calling down fire from heaven to defeat the prophets of Baal... then he had the strength to run the 17 miles to Jezreel and get there before Ahab who was riding in a chariot.

But when Jezebel threatened to kill him, "he was afraid... and ran for his life" (1 Kings 19:3). He went a day's journey into the wilderness, sat under a tree, and asked God to take his life. Was he depressed? Was he exhausted? Probably yes, and yes. Maybe he also felt like the mission God sent him on was complete and he had no more purpose to drive him on.

I've found that after a season of fruitful and intense ministry, I can feel a weariness and let-down. Much like the experience of going on a great retreat that brings you to a place of a spiritual high, then you return to the "real world" and in comparison, it's depressing. And I've never had the president's wife put a hit out on me either! I've also found that when I get weary physically and emotionally, I'm more vulnerable to temptation, negative attitudes and selfishness.

Elijah's focus shifted from God and the mighty things he was doing through Elijah. He focused instead on the human threat and it scared him.
"The fear of man will prove to be a snare" (Prov 29:25).

God didn't get mad at Elijah though (at least the text doesn't say that he did!); instead, he sent an angel to provide food, water, and rest. Soon thereafter, God revealed himself to Elijah at Mount Horeb, giving him new direction and a new mission to fulfill.

The lesson? Prepare yourself in the emotionally healthy times for the times of letdown and weariness. Remind yourself to keep focusing on the Lord, even when circumstances around you are spinning out of control. And remember to take time for rest, renewal, and drawing near to the Lord.