Reasons for Spiritual Depression

Dear brothers and sisters, starting from this week, I would like to share with you from the character of Elijah on ¡¥how do God¡¦s children face their spiritual depression?¡¦

¡¦And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life,¡¦ (1 Kings 19:3) We hardly imagine a close friend of God as Elijah, who is also a mighty prophet, can fall from his spiritual submit down to a low pit of defeatism. There is no such thing of spiritual expertise. But, what are the reasons for a man like Elijah, who can call both fire and rain from heaven, stumbles and runs for his life?

Elijah fell into a spiritual depression because his eyes fixed on the circumstance. For three and a half years, Elijah used to hear and obeyed God without delay once ¡¥the word of the Lord came to him¡¦. (1 Kings 17:2,8, 18:1) But, when he perceived the threat from Jezebel, he escaped and forgot to seek for God¡¦s guidance and protection. If our eyes turn away from God, the darkness of environment may consume our faith. The unfavorable circumstance draws our attention and captures our hearts. This is often the beginning of a spiritual downcast. Therefore, let us fix our spiritual eyes upon the Lord for He controls all circumstances. ¡¥Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He has mercy on us.¡¦ (Psalm 123:2)

Another reason why Elijah entrapped in a spiritual depression was because fear took control of him. In the spiritual combat on Mount Carmel, Elijah confronted a great number of enemies. Without fear, he killed 850 false prophets of Baal and Asherah. When the audience disappeared, he found himself alone in the city of Jezreel who reigned by a notorious king. And the words of the queen made him panic. He arose and ran out of this dangerous zone. Elijah seemed forgot that it was the Spirit of God coming upon him so that he could run ahead of the chariot of the king. It was God who led him from Mount Carmel to the city of Jezreel. Well, even a sudden panic could get hold of a man of God who once outran the horses. When fear draws near us, we need to think of the previous guidance by the Holy Spirit and God¡¦s ever presence. This will help us not being devoured by panic. Many people think that the opposite of ¡¥fear¡¦ is being ¡¥courageous¡¦ or ¡¥strong¡¦. The spiritual rule to resolve the fear factor is by His ¡¥love¡¦. ¡¥There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear,¡¦ (1 John 4:18) If you are in a stage of fear, please remember the presence of God is for His children. It is just like a loving mother who embraces her little child into her breast and comforted him with love at the evening scare.

The third reason for Elijah¡¦s spiritual depression was due to his disappointment to the ministry. He had a strong feeling of failure in his work. On Mount Carmel, Elijah had demonstrated the reality of God by asking fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. The people of Israelites also realized and declared by themselves: ¡¥the Lord, He is God.¡¦ Elijah also prayed earnestly for rain so that people could relieve from the great famine. Although the Israelites perceived the great power and love of God, they still did not turn to Him. Nor did they provide any protection or support to the servant of God. Elijah felt disappointed to his people. He could not see a good response from them even after the great wonders. We know his mood when he accused the Israelites by saying: ¡¥for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.¡¦ (1 Kings 19:10, 14) However, God did not show His disappointment. He concerned Elijah more than His work. God came to Elijah and comforted him so that he could recover from his spiritual ebb. As the psalmist experienced the love of God by saying: ¡¥In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.¡¦ (Psalm 94:19)

By: Daniel To