Friday, May 3, 2013

TIMES OF DEPRESSION

ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL


     Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried,"The LORD–he is God! The LORD–he is God!" 1 Kings 18:38-39 NIV
* * *
     Elijah's eight recorded miracles are among the most spectacular in the Bible–Elijah prayed, and God answered–but not long after his courageous contest with the prophets of Baal, a threat by Jezebel sent him into deep depression. In his despondency, Elijah believed that he was all alone in his faith. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life–” (1 Kings 19:4)
* * *
     Eventually after forty days of running, and several miraculous signs, God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice saying; “I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (19:18)
     It is human nature to be depressed when we are exhausted–or have had a major victory–followed by down time. Like Elijah, we often need to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit assuring our hearts.
* * *
     Lord, help me to turn to You when I feel like I am standing alone in a worldly culture. I want to be true to You, no matter how tired or discouraged I am. Help me to trust You for the strength I need to be faithful.
* * *
     "The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. "  Psalm 28:7

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That is my favorite Bible story - Elijah on the mountain with the prophets of Baal. Such a demonstration of the power of God! Interesting that Elijah would fall into such depression following that great victory. Very true of human nature though. We shamefully tend to be very short-sighted creatures.