Finding Hope for Depression: Lessons from Elijah

Note: The following is a “Guest Blog” by my friend and co-worker, Pastor Chris Boucher.

John Piper’s interpretive poem summarizing the book of Job captures the affectionate sovereignty of God in light of human suffering. Piper offers hope to fellow sojourners experiencing the variegated shades of suffering that depression can bring. He closes the second section, “That I Should Bear This Pain, Not You” by writing:

Sometimes the spark of faith is slight

And does not make the darkness bright.

But keep it lit and you will find:

Far better this than being blind.

One little flame when all is night,

Proves there is such a thing as Light.

Remember now the place and price

Where Jesus promised paradise.

One answered prayer when all is gone,

Will give you hope to wait for dawn.

Depression can feel isolating, painful, empty—like someone reached into your soul and yanked your energy right out of your body. Many Christians may feel alone in their suffering, believing true believers should not experience depression. However, sadness has visited more than one biblical character. In the sense that one may feel alone, it may be of some encouragement to know that the very first child of humanity suffered dejection. It is not unique to our present age, though it may be an increasingly unwelcomed visitor. However, only four chapters into the Bible, one encounters the first person struggling with depression. God surveys the emotional landscape and finds Cain, angry and downcast. Fast-forwarding several books we find another individual battling depression, Elijah the Tishbite.

Elijah actually enters the scriptural scenery rather abruptly. Nothing of his genealogical record is known other than he was a Tishbite and we do know that he suffered from depression.

Filling in a few other blanks about Elijah’s story will prove useful in allowing God to teach us how someone today can have greater victory when facing the darkness of depression. He lived as a ninth-century prophet of Israel. “My God is Jah,” the meaning of his name is significant to his prophetic calling. “Jah” is an abbreviated form of “Yahweh,” God’s covenant name revealed to Moses from the burning bush. Declaring Yahweh as the true God of Israel proved his life’s calling.

Ahab, the king of Israel, under the influence of his wife Jezebel, instills Baal worship in Israel. Ahab and Jezebel become Elijah’s nemesis. Simply pronouncing Elijah would remind Jezebel who was the true King of Israel. She wanted him dead and Baal worship established in Israel. God calls the prophet to speak against Ahab and Jezebel’s idolatry insisting the nation repent and return to Yahweh the true God of Israel.

1 Kings 17:1-6: Yahweh Provides For Elijah from the Kerith and the Raven

The battle commences as the LORD commissions Elijah to declare to Ahab, “As the LORD God of Israel lives, I stand before Him, and there will be no dew or rain during these years except by my command!” Elijah is now on the run at the Lord’s command and hides at the brook Kerith. Though the text is silent regarding his emotional state, he is on the run, alone, hiding, and is the enemy of King Ahab and Jezebel. However, on the side of encouragement, it is a testimony to God’s humor and provision that feeds Elijah by using a scavenger bird. This is an unexpected means of God’s provision.

Principle: God provides for His people in His own way. As we face depression and care for those facing depression be open to the Lord’s leading.

1 Kings 17:8-16: Yahweh Provides For Elijah from the Widow of Zarephath

Elijah’s faith is furthered challenged as he discovered that the LORD’s provision, the widow at Zarephath, is essentially out of food. Elijah must continue to trust in the Lord for his provision. Elijah’s faith becomes his continued provision as well as the provision of the widow and her son…at least for a while. If circumstances were not challenging enough, the widow’s son becomes sick and dies. Her guilty conscience finds blame in Elijah for coming to her house to bring God’s judgment. The enemy has a hay-day with the suffering. He quickly enters the scene bringing accusation and judgment. She blames Elijah and he blames God. But God hears Elijah’s plea and restores the life of the widow’s son. What amazing goodness!

Principle: Even Those suffering must be armed for spiritual battle. “You have depression because you deserve it.” “You must have sinned.” “You must not trust Jesus.” These can all be lies from the enemy and we are particularly prone to believe such lies when we are suffering.

1 Kings 18-19: From a Grand Showdown to a Silent Whisper

After three years, God sends Elijah to Ahab and all Israel to make Himself known. After a showdown with prophets of Baal, the LORD shows Himself strong by consuming completely by fire the altar and all the trimmings. It then rains after, in bizarre fashion, Elijah prayed seven times. Spirit filled Elijah outruns Ahab’s chariot to Jezreel where Jezebel finds out that all her prophets have been murdered. This sends fear to the core of Elijah causing him to run for his life a hundred miles away. It is in this final incident that those suffering from depression find their greatest encouragement.

There is no mistaking Elijah’s emotional state at this point. He is afraid, feeling completely alone, depressed and suicidal. There are several amazing elements to this story that are beneficial to help battle depression.

Principle: There is no “reasonable” explanation for Elijah’s depression. There are certainly flaws in his thinking (being alone and the only one left), but logically speaking after this incident he should have been celebrating. This is very encouraging for many who suffer depression “illogically.”

Principle: God does not rebuke Elijah; ironically, He nourishes and sustains him to continue to run another 40 days.

Principle: God demonstrates tender care and an eagerness to hear Elijah’s complaint.

 Principle: At Elijah’s lowest point, God personally came and spoke gently. God cared for Elijah throughout these three events. Once with a raven, then a widow, but when Elijah was really down, God came in the silence. God was not in the “power” manifestation of chapter 19. It is almost as if God is saying, “I am not angry with you Elijah. I see where you are. I am here with you. I am gentle and meek, a place you can find rest for your soul.” What incredible gentleness.

Principle: God returned Elijah to work. God wanted the prophet to return to what God designed him to do. It would be easy to stay at the cave and entertain further ideation from the enemy. God’s care is thorough.

Join the Conversation

Of the principles presented in this post, which minister most to you?