Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard: 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. NKJV

Elijah had just won a great victory but he had annoyed Jezebel, the evil Queen. Her God, Baal, had been badly humiliated and her prophets killed. She was out for revenge. Elijah reacted in a most strange way, this great man of God, despite his wonderful victory, took to his heels and fled into the wilderness in fear and praying that he may die. This can happen to Christians when they have had wonderful blessings and are full of praise for God. Even the strongest of us can be struck down with fear, anxiety and depression.

There are times when we have been so overly busy for the Lord that, we have worn ourselves out, something that is not part of God. He wants us to pace ourselves properly and when we found ourselves in a position such as this, we need sleep and rest and a good meal to revive us. This is why God sent and angel to Elijah v5ff. When he was feeling more refreshed, he set out on a long journey. He walked 40 days and nights to Horeb, the mountain of the Lord, where he entered a cave and in a short time, met with the Lord. “What are you doing here, Elijah?” v 9 & 14. In other words, he was in the wrong place. At the second statement, Elijah, realised this and sets off back to where he should be, serving God.

Overwork, tiredness and trying to be everything for everybody leads to despair and this can lead to us being found in a heap, unable to cope with much at all. Recognise the signs. God did not call you to do everything, you need to balance your workload out so that it is more suitable to your energy levels. This is why Jesus called His disciples over to take a break:

"Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30.

If life is weighing you down and the burden you are carrying has become too heavy then, give it to Jesus. This is what He is saying to you right now! Many Christian people are in a place of depression at this moment. We can't just say that this is an attack from the devil. He may be involved somewhere down the line but, you are the one that may have placed yourself in this position. Why? Because you didn't heed to the Word of God.

Therefore, with God's help. work towards freedom from all of this; allow the chains to fall off and don't be frightened to close your eyes and have a rest when you can. You will feel better for it that's for sure and, so will others who share a part of your life.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk