14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
15 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:14-18)
Thoughts: We can learn from this great man of God how to handle depression. He had just finished a tremendous time of stress where his own life was at risk. He had run over 100 miles and was super tired. He felt isolated and persecuted.
He slept. He ate (per God's help), and then God said to do something about his situation. Depression paralyzes us, and God is trying to get Elijah to get going again after having rested and having eaten. Sometimes making yourself get out jumps starts the engine of hope. What God told him to do was to anoint leaders who would change the situation- and they did. There is no record of Elijah's depression again. Elijah next ascended in a chariot. But then the next time we see Elijah in the Bible is when he comes with Moses to encourage Jesus at a tough time-when Jesus knew he would be facing his own death on the cross. When facing depression or sadness, we should strengthen our bodies and seek to get out and serve God.
He slept. He ate (per God's help), and then God said to do something about his situation. Depression paralyzes us, and God is trying to get Elijah to get going again after having rested and having eaten. Sometimes making yourself get out jumps starts the engine of hope. What God told him to do was to anoint leaders who would change the situation- and they did. There is no record of Elijah's depression again. Elijah next ascended in a chariot. But then the next time we see Elijah in the Bible is when he comes with Moses to encourage Jesus at a tough time-when Jesus knew he would be facing his own death on the cross. When facing depression or sadness, we should strengthen our bodies and seek to get out and serve God.
Prayer: Give me strength and motivation to get beyond myself to serve you and others, Lord.
(Elijah passes his mantle to Elishah)
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