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