Remedy For Depression

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” 1 Kings 19:4

In 1 Kings 19, we see a downside in prophet Elijah’s personality-he was prone to depression. Some scholars have even gone so far as to say that Elijah probably struggled with bipolar disorder. His mood-swings could be so extreme that right after the euphoric victory over the false prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, he plummeted down into having suicida tendencies. When he heard that Queen Jezebel wanted him dead, he became so depressed that he wanted to end his life (19:1-4). According to a recent American NIMH survey, up to 18 percent of the US population suffer from depression. More than 2 million, or one percent, struggle with bipolar disorder.

What was God’s remedy to Elijah? He got him to eat a cake baked by an angel. He then got him to drink, and then sleep (19:6-8). The cake speaks of the Word of God. In the treatment of depression, psychiatrists often talk about “reprogramming” or “re-framing” your thinking pattern. Really, there is no better tool for renewing one’s mind than God’s Word. As your thinking changes, your entire life will be turned around (Rom. 12:2).

The angel got Elijah to drink a jar of water. This speaks of the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink the Holy Spirit. Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-39). The Holy Spirit is always a tremendous lifter of a depressive mood.

The Lord then wanted Elijah to sleep. Proper management of your physical body is very important in dealing with depression. Elijah had worked very hard. He now needed some rest.

Next, Elijah met the Lord at Horeb, the mountain of God (1 Kin. 19:8). An encounter with God will heal any wounded, confused heart. God encouraged him, “Elijah, you are not alone, there are 7,000 good men like you in the land. And you are making a big difference” (19:18). In the presence of God, there is always love and encouragement to lift up a troubled soul.

Finally, God gave Elijah a new mission. God wanted Elijah to go and anoint a new king-Jehu the son of Nimshi. Also, God wanted Elijah to make a disciple out of Elisha (19:16-17). If you are feeling down, get a fresh vision from the Lord. Get up and do something productive. With God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, proper rest, a spiritual encounter with God, and a fresh vision for the kingdom, Elijah was lifted out of his depression. The same can happen to you.