James 5:17(CEB) Elijah was a person just like us. When he earnestly prayed that it wouldn’t rain, no rain fell for three and a half years.
1 Kings 19:3-4,10(NLT) 3Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” 10Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
Elements of Depression
1. Fear - verse 3
2. Desperation - verse 4
3. Low self-esteem - verse 4
4. Bitterness - verse 10
5. Loneliness - verse 10
6. Worry - verse 10
1. God restored Elijah
1 Kings 19:5-8(NLT) 5Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” 6He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” 8So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.
Psalm 127:2(NLT) It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
Psalm 56:3(NLT) But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
Psalm 4:8(NLT) In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
2. God changed Elijah’s
Luke 21:28(NLT) So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”
Romans 12:2(NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Ephesians 4:23(NLT) Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
1 Kings 19:11-13(NLT) 11“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
3. When you want to run,
Philippians 4:4(NLT) Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
Psalm 16:11(NLT) You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Proverbs 8:17(NLT) “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.
John 4:23(NLT) But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.
Isaiah 61:3(NLT) To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
4. Realize you were
1 Kings 19:13b-14(NLT) 13b“What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
Proverbs 19:18(NLT) Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.
Ephesians 2:6(NLT) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
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