Depression is a darkness that can plague anyone at any time. It is no respecter of persons; even Biblical heroes fell into depression. David, for example -- the Psalms are filled with his agony. Job, Jonah, and Jeremiah all lamented to God while depressed. And Elijah, who single-handedly revealed God to the masses in a literal fire fight, left his mountaintop experience and fell into a deep depression.
Reading these stories can help you feel like you are less alone in your struggles, and they may even help you see how God is there in the midst of the darkness. Today, learn three things you can do to help turn your depression around as you listen to how God helped Elijah.
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Father, I struggle with the darkness that is overwhelming to me. I surrender myself to Your care; please show me how You are here for me, just as You were there for Elijah.
How do I see God caring for me in this time of depression?
Read the stories of Biblical heroes who struggled with depression, and note how God helped them through their struggles. Be assured that God’s character does not change, and He will be able to help you as well.
Sometimes you can feel like you’re doing everything right. Like Elijah, you are at the top of the mountain, doing your best Kingdom work, and then depression can hit you out of the blue. You might find, as Elijah did, that spiritual highs are sometimes followed by a period of depression. Notice how God is still with you, providing for your care and nourishment until you are strong enough to continue your work. The depression that comes on a spiritual level, like Elijah experienced, is just as real as emotional depression. In the next post, learn how to identify if you are in a spiritual depression and how you can return to fellowship with God.
