Tougher

In times of depression, we must acknowledge that we don't need to know everything God is doing to trust Him. In times of depression, we can believe that God is at work and keeps His promises, even when our circumstances seem overwhelming.

Earlier this week, I sent an email with the subject title; Tough. My thoughts were intended to direct us towards a communal reflection of the single event that occurred over the weekend. Since then, things have become tougher for our community. Our large city was again reminded that evil can happen in a matter of moments. We need to find solace in the fact that God cares for His people on the mountaintop and in the valleys.

Elijah experienced what we could call a "mountain top" experience, followed suddenly by a "valley" experience in which he felt tired, depressed, and alone. King Ahab, influenced by his evil wife Jezebel, had led Israel into idolatry. Yet just before the events of chapter 19, the power of God had come upon the prophet Elijah in amazing ways. First, in a contest with the false prophets of Baal, Elijah demonstrated God's superiority, resulting in the execution of the false prophets. Then, after a long drought, God sent rain in response to Elijah's prayers.

Finally, Elijah was empowered by God's Spirit to outrun the King's chariots. However, the temptation to feel alone, afraid, depressed, and that his efforts were in vain was overwhelming for Elijah. During this "valley" experience, Elijah chose to run away.

1 Kings, Chapter 19 doesn't begin as we expect. We expect to see Israel turning their hearts back to God (18:37). After all, in response to God's burning up the soggy altar, they fell on their faces and confessed, "Yahweh, He is God! Yahweh, He is God!" (18:39). But do we see national revival? Nope.

We hope to find wicked King Ahab returning to the palace to remove Jezebel for her idolatrous influence in the land. After all, we left him in chapter 18 obeying Elijah's word (vs. 42,45). But is that what Ahab does? No, he doesn't. His repentance was false, and his spine was like a jellyfish. Instead, he returns and tattles on Elijah to the Baal-promoting Phoenician queen. We wonder if Jezebel will surrender her false theology and repent. Instead, she seeks to put Elijah to death. We at least expect to find "Mr. My God is Yahweh" standing tall amid this rebellion. After all, "the power of the Lord was on Elijah" (18:46). But is that what happens? No, it doesn't. Instead, we find our brother Elijah depressed, throwing a pity party, running from Jezebel, and asking God to take his life.

Friends, up to this point in the King's chronicles, Elijah's faith and prayer life have challenged us, but now Elijah's spiritual collapse serves as a warning and provides wise counsel. Many pastors and Biblical scholars have struggled with what to call his condition here in 1 Kings. Some of the things that have been mentioned are; "Down in the Valley," "Experiencing Spiritual Depression," and the prophet drained of strength in a "pit of fear and depression" I believe that regarding today's terms and definitions, Elijah was indeed dealing with depression.

The wise counsel to be learned is how we respond to ourselves, family, friends, and others during our anxiety, fear, and depression. I must become transparent in how I reply, as Pastor, husband, dad, and brother, to my own periods of depression. Bottom line, if in my questions I'm asking you to reflect and be aware of your low times, then I need to do the same.

This week, an article titled "Pastors battle skyrocketing burnout amid politics, pandemic: 'Wearing on the soul'; a staggering 42% of pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry, according to a recent study." Friends, in 2021, that number was 29%, and today it is 42%. The reasons for burnout, depression and anxiety are listed as follows; stress (56%), loneliness (43%), and political divisions (38%). My faith, calling, and desire to lead do not remove me from feelings of anxiety, fear, or depression.

On Sunday, we will read 1 Kings 19:1-18 seeking to be reminded that when things become tougher, God will still sustain us in the valley. Meanwhile, as you prepare for Sunday, thank God for being present, even when circumstances may tempt you to believe otherwise. Acknowledge that He knows your situation and is working to make everything for your good and His glory. Finally, pray that you would be alert for times when you are physically, mentally, and emotionally spent.