Sad Isn’t Bad

We all have times when we get down. Discouragement creeps in. Depression happens. Evangelist Billy Graham once admitted, “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes..."Elijah knew what it was like to be depressed. God had just given him great victory over the prophets of Baal, having proved Himself real by consuming the sacrifice with fire. Elijah saw to it that the prophets of Baal were executed. This incurred the wrath of wicked queen Jezebel who sent word to Elijah that he was a dead man. Elijah took this to heart and ran for his life.   Exhausted and depressed, he said: “... “It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.” (1 Kings 19:4)

How did Elijah get through this bout with discouragement and depression?

1.     He rested: Elijah laid down under a Juniper tree.

2.     He was nourished by God: An angel brought him a cake and water. These gave Elijah enough strength to make a 40 day journey!

3.     He poured out his complaint to God: Elijah felt all alone. He thought he was the only one serving God.

4.     He listened to God: God told him that He had reserved 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal.

5.     He realized that God still had a purpose for him: God told him to go back the way he came, and told him who to anoint for service. One of them was Elisha, who would eventually take Elijah's place

Take care of yourself and may God renew your strength and encourage you to move forward!