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DEPRESSION
There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death,
prisoners in misery and affliction...then they cried out to the Lord in
their trouble and heaviness and He saved them out of their distresses.
He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their
sinking down.
Psalm 107
What Is Depression?
Depression is an emotional state of dejection and sadness ranging from mild
discouragement and downheartedness to feelings of utter helplessness and despair.
Everyone at one time or another has felt down, sad, or blue. Being depressed is a normal
reaction to loss and life's struggles. But sometimes the feeling of sadness becomes
intense, lasting for long periods of time, preventing a person from leading a normal life.
Depression is common and serious, and most who experience it need help to get better.
But even those with severe depression can return to the joys of life.
We live in a stress-filled world. That is reality. The perfect environment does not exist in our
world. Romans 8:19-23 tells us that, as a result of the fall of man, even creation itself is
experiencing stress. While loss and the struggles of living can lead to depression, the primary
causes of depression are an inaccurate perception of God and living life without God’s
enablement. Because this is true when we do not deal with life and its’ stresses Biblically, the
toll on body and mind leaves us extremely vulnerable to depression.
Who gets depressed?
In America today, depression is near epidemic in proportion. However, depression is not new, as
we will discuss later, many of the great men and women of the Bible suffered depression.
Also, depression is not entirely negative if we allow it to move us closer to God. Struggles and
loss force us to make changes that are necessary for our growth that we might never make if the
struggle or loss did not occur. (Heb 12:7-12) God will use even depression to help us to get to
know Him as He truly is.
“Suffering Christianity is an integral aspect of biblical holiness and a regular part of
business as usual for the believer.” J.I. Packer
“For good or ill, suffering, grief and depression often bring us to the heart of life. ”
John Freccero, Dante; the Poetics of conversion
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The stresses of living do not skip over any age group or gender but affect men and women,
children, adolescents, and the elderly. There are a growing number of depressed children and
teens due to the break down of the family along with constant exposure to violence and
immorality and other difficulties. Our busy, noisy world tied with the increasing emphasis on
obtaining higher education and high paying jobs brings an enormous amount of stress to young
people.
Seniors are also depressed at a high rate. Many have experienced the loss of several friends and
family members. Retirees no longer enjoy the significance of a regular income and career. In
addition, new physical limitations often curtail their normal pastimes and hobbies.
Are some people more prone to depression than others? Outside of organic disturbances, the only
real difference is in a person’s level of tolerance toward the stress situations confronted. Just as
some have a far higher tolerance for physical pain, some have a higher tolerance for stress. The
question is not whether one is depression-prone, but how one chooses to respond to the effects of
depression.
In Finding Hope Again, Neil Anderson and Hal Baumchen list three biblical reasons suffering
comes to Christians:
1. For righteousness sake, that is, for the process of sanctification, so that we may share in
His glory (Romans 8:17), reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12), receive His comfort
(2 Corinthians 1:5), and enter His Kingdom (Acts 14:22), and because the world we live
in is hostile to the followers of Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
2. As consequences and chastisement: the consequences of our own sin, (Psalm 32:3-5), for
discipline, so we can share in His holiness (Hebrews 12:7-11), and for the process of
perfecting us and educating us (Hebrews 2:9; 5:8).
3. Because of human frailty and living in a fallen world: suffering is part of our normal
existence – the decaying of the outer man, in a world “subject to a thousand troubles and
under sentence of death.” We “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as
sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23 and 1 Peter 4:12-14)
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The Intensity Scale
Although the signs and symptoms of depression are nearly universal, the intensity and frequency
of them may vary.


Mild
Feel:
Think:
Function:
Down and Blue
Clear and rational thoughts
Maintain regular daily activities
Feel:
Think:
Heavy and Discouraged
Negative and pessimistic thoughts, regardless
of circumstances
Maintain normal activity only with considerable
focus and effort
Moderate
Function:

Severe
Feel:
Think:
Function:
Hopeless and Despair
Unable to think clearly and rationally
Unable to function normally at all levels of activity.
Some symptoms of depression: (It is important to remember that other ailments
may share some of the following symptoms)
Physical Symptoms indicating a need for medical attention:
Digestive malfunction
Hot flashes
Dizziness
Trembling
Tingling
Pain in the joints
Changes in sleep habits
Headaches
Exhaustion, lethargy
Racing heartbeat
Loss of appetite or drastic weight changes
Gradually reduced sex drive
Emotional Symptoms:
Long-term sadness
A sense of despair
Extremely low self-esteem
Extremely low frustration, noise or light tolerance
Inability to concentrate
Phobic or obsessive behavior
Pity-party thoughts: “Your not fair God! I don’t deserve this! It’s their fault!”
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THE PROBLEM
Causes
Depression can be the result of one or any combination of the following:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Unresolved anger
Inaccurate thinking
Physical Issues (Chemical imbalance, poor nutrition, lack of exercise)
Living in one’s own strength rather than allowing Christ to live His life
through you
5) Lack of purpose
6) Victimized beyond hope
UNRESOLVED ANGER
When we do not address our hurts and broken expectations, as God intended, we are
likely to fall into a state of bitterness followed by resentment, ungratefulness, revenge or
withdrawal and finally hopelessness and depression. The proper way to deal with hurts
and broken expectations is through forgiveness.
(See how to extend forgiveness in CLM’s Anger and Forgiveness handout)
INACCURATE THINKING
An inaccurate or incomplete picture of God, who we are as His children, and how we
were designed to live. See Psalm 107
False Goals
When we have goals that we believe must be attained to make life worth living and these
goals are not being achieved we become depressed. Often the meeting of these goals is
unrealistic as accomplishing them involves the cooperation of others. When others
behavior stands in the way of reaching a goal, we tend to try and manipulate them and
their behavior to meet our desired ends. If our efforts fail, we become hopeless and
depressed. In simple terms--when we perceive that efforts to reach a goal will never be
successful we give up and depression follows.
Examples of wrong goals:
 Many people believe that they must have a mate in order to be happy and
fulfilled.
 Many think they must achieve and maintain a certain appearance in order to
be loved and accepted.
 Men often feel they must have a job with status and a certain salary to be
successful.
 Parents often believe they must have godly, successful and/or happy children
to be fulfilled.
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Inappropriately Dealing with Loss
Any loss can elicit a feeling of depression, and in fact is a normal stage of the grieving process.
But when an individual does not move on through the process of grief depression can become a
way of life.
Projecting into the future.
Allowing the unknown factors of tomorrow to affect the present can result in depression. God
gives faith only for the present. (Matthew 6:33-34; Mark 11:13) Holding onto one’s past
memories and achievements can keep a person from being open to what God has for you now
and in the future. (Ecclesiastes 7:10)
PHYSICAL ISSUES
There are many physical components that can contribute to depression ranging from
debilitating illness or pain to a lack of exercise and proper nutrition. Individuals may also
suffer from an improper chemical imbalance either as a result of the above or due to their
own genetic makeup.
(For more information please consult Living by Design by Ray Strand and Bill Ewing)
LIVING OUT OF YOUR OWN STRENGTH
No human being was designed to live this life in his or her own strength, apart from
union with Christ. The best description on how we were created to live is found in John
15; Christ is symbolized by the vine and we by the branch. The vine is the life giving
source and unless the branch stays attached to the vine, it has no life power of it’s own.
The wording is very strong here stating that, apart from the vine we can do nothing!
Romans 6 describes in detail the miraculous mystery of how we became united with
Christ, “the vine”. We were created to allow the Life of Christ to live through us as we
abide in Him. When we attempt to live all or any part of life apart from His power we
will soon become drained, exhausted and finally depressed.
Matthew 11:25-20 tells us that Christ’s yoke is light, not heavy but easy and light. He
further instructs, “Come to Me …and I will give you rest.” When we come to Christ we
are essentially attaching ourselves to Him and allowing Him to do the living through us.
Remember Christ’s prayer for us on the very eve of His death was that we would be one
with He and the Father, just as they are one. This oneness is essential to living a life of
purpose, power and rest.
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THE SOLUTION
“We are protected from destructive grief when our hope lies in the
finished work of Christ, not in the things of this world that we have
no right nor ability to control.” Neil Anderson
Because a person suffering from depression is usually being controlled by their emotions, real
progress depends upon a settled decision to work all the way through to freedom. The work of
recovery is between God and the person depressed.
Jesus once asked a man who had come to Him, What do you want me to do for you?” He asked
the depressed person the same question. Is this really what you want? God knows our hearts, but
often we do not know our own. Depression can be an escape, a way of punishing and controlling
others, or of protecting ourselves from further pain.
Hannah Whitall Smith wrote “That in order to remain “in touch with reality” we must learn to see
God in everything, and receive everything directly from His hands. We must be brought to this before
we can know an abiding experience of entire abandonment and perfect trust.”
The intimate relationship with God that will result in complete wellness of mind and soul will
happen if we choose to pursue that relationship.
RENEWING THE MIND
Because depression is primarily a symptom of inaccurate belief, the changes involved in healing
will primarily come through renewing the mind. The person who has lived a life of depression
has simply lived out a lifetime collection of misbeliefs. Therefore, the battle for recovery will
take place chiefly through renewing of the mind.
Renewing the mind is basically the process of allowing God’s Spirit to reveal errors in one’s
thinking, choosing to believe those lies no longer and replacing them with what God’s Word says
is true. This process includes activating the will to choose the truth and refuse the lies. Mind
renewal is work, but it is work done in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not gritting one’s teeth
and determining to act out the truth. It is depending upon the Author of that truth to live it out in
the believer and submitting in obedience to God’s will and action.
“…taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this age,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom 12:2)
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THE ROLE OF THE DISCIPLER
The role of the discipler is to help the depressed person learn to respond to life events correctly.
In many cases, all that is required is to help them get “back on track,” reminding them of their
rightful position as an heir of our Almighty, Wonderful God who loves them unconditionally and
always has their best interest at heart. Responding to life’s ups and downs is a godly habit that
becomes easier with practice.
There are four steps to responding to crises that will help us keep mentally focused, and avoid
the pitfall of depression. Relate the following to the Causes of Depression listed previously.
1. Recognize His Presence: Whatever the situation that we face, the reality of God’s
constant presence in our lives forms the very foundation upon which we can build a
pattern of right responses. Heb 3:15
2. Receive His Purpose: Receive the truth that everything that happens to us is part and
parcel of God’s good purpose for us. James 1:2-4; Phil 2:13; Eph 2:10.
3. Release the Circumstances: Giving thanks is an act of humility and absolute trust in His
character and power. This brings rest and peace to our souls. 1 Thess 5:18; Matt 11:28
4. Respond in Faith. All of God’s promises are true, but they will not affect our lives as true
unless we believe them and act accordingly. One of the keys to overcoming depression is
the use of the will. Understanding that you are spirit, soul and body will help you realize
that you have authority over your emotions and that they are not meant to rule your life.
“And those who KNOW Thy name will put their trust in Thee.” Psalm 9:10
(Adapted from Jim Craddock, Out of the Depths: God’s Answer to Man’s Depression)
UNDERSTANDING AND LIVING AS THE NEW CREATION GOD MADE YOU
“IN CHRIST JESUS”
“Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature;
the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Knowing yourself (as the new creature God has made you) may well be the most important thing
in life, after knowing God. Understanding your new identity in Christ is essential to a life of
victory. Why? Because you cannot consistently act in a way that is inconsistent with the way
you see yourself. In addition, until you allow God to define who you are as His child you will be
forever allowing the opinions and reactions of others to define you. Once you become
comfortable with who you are as God’s child you will be able to forget about yourself and focus
on God and others. This focus is the antithesis of that of depressed people, who are normally
completely focusing on themselves.
[Because your before and after (Christ) story is so essential, please take time to study CLM’s,
Settled Identity handout and audio.]
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Depression may be miserable, but it’s familiar. Stepping out by faith into the unfamiliarity of
our new identity in Christ will create some fear. We need to trust the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to
us and give us power by living through Him. Consistently returning to the theme: “Christ in
you.” This is often the hope that is sadly lacking!
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, and of power, and of a sound mind.”
(2 Timothy 1:7)
See CLM Handout: Renewing the Mind
HELPFUL TOOLS
Prayer
Psalm 22 is an excellent model of prayer for the one who suffers from depression:
: 1-8 An honest pouring out of the heart
: 9-11 Remembrance
: 11-21 Requests
: 22-31 Praise
Accountability/Support
Support through consistent and safe relationships
“The body of Christ can help relieve the pain and help improve the spiritual,
physical and emotional health of people who are hurting from depression.” (Jim
Craddock)

Simplified Goals
Evaluate the intensity of their depression.
Explore the root causes of depression.
Offer solutions that give hope and really help.

Worship
Affirms what we believe to be true about God
Gets the focus off of self
Centers our hearts on God
Listen to uplifting, praiseful music …”Put on the mantle of praise instead of a
spirit of depression”

Counseling
The aim of counseling is not to eliminate the symptoms, but to correctly identify
the inaccurate beliefs and to guide the client into thinking that is founded on
Biblical Truth.
We believe and trust that when the mind has been renewed, the symptoms will
begin to change.

Exercise
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CHEMICAL IMBALANCE
Medical Help
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them
pray over him, having anointed him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
James 5:14 (Lit. translation.)
Long-term depression may do lasting damage to the neurological system. Organic problems such
as chemical or hormone imbalance can impede our ability to function.
That means in some cases, certain medications could be necessary for the rest of one’s life.
The Greek word translated “anoint” usually means to rub or to apply ointment. This refers to
seeking medical care first, and next seeking prayer of elders. Timothy was advised by Paul to
“use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” (1 Tim 5:23) In this
context wine was seen as a medicine. The question isn’t whether medication is scriptural, but
how and when it can be beneficial in the process of recovery from the emotional aspects of
depression.
We believe our role is to come alongside to offer truth, prayer, and understanding. We do not
prescribe or manage medication, but consider ourselves under the authority of the attending
physician in regard to its use. It can be very helpful to work with a physician who understands
our discipling perspective–-that is, that the knowledge of the truth sets people free, not
medication.
While medication can be helpful in many instances, there is a danger in seeking the solution
through medication rather than in Christ or in seeking a solution through medication alone.
Remember that our purpose is not relief of symptoms but the complete healing that only Christ
can accomplish. In situations such as extreme anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, attention
disorders, and organic problems where medication is deemed necessary, it is essential to
continue to renew the mind and seek life in Jesus Christ.
Our hope is that a person would, as he begins to live in the healing and stability that comes
through Christ and mind renewal, be able to decrease medications or the need of it altogether.
This, of course, would be under the guidance of a physician.
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Practical Help for the Helper:
Initial Inventory Check List:













How would you rate the intensity of this person’s depression?
Mild
 Severe
Moderate
What could be some of the root causes of this person’s depression?
Blocked Goals and Broken
 Control and Manipulation of
Expectations
Others
Unforgiveness
 Burnout or Chemical
Imbalance
Grief

Inaccurate thinking in
Un-Godly Authorities
response to circumstances or
Identity in Crisis
losses
Demonic or Ancestral
Influences
If this person asked you for advice, what action points might you suggest?
Rest
 Accountability/Support
Nutrition/Diet
 Worship
Exercising the Body and Will
 Counseling
Renewing the Mind/Scripture
 Medical Help
Memory
Prayer
Most people have a desire to be free of their depression but need help getting there.
You can help them choose SMART steps from this list of integrated solutions. The
following will help a depressed person to establish action steps and stay the course:
A SMART goal is:
Specific: Do I know exactly what I’m going to do?
Measurable: How will I know when I have reached my goal?
Attainable: Do I have all the resources I need to reach this goal?
Realistic: Can it really be done and will it really help?
Time oriented: When will I do this? What is my deadline?
Questions that clarify where they are and what they feel they are facing:




“What steps do you think you will try this week?”
“Why do you think this will help?”
“Do you have what you need to get well?”
“How will you know when you are better?”
“How ready are you to do this?”
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“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the
goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:13-14
FACTORS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN STRUGGLING WITH DEPRESSION
1. Understand you are spirit, soul and body. Your emotions are ruling your life. You have a new identity
in Christ from which you are to live from. (IICorinthians 5:17)
2. The Scriptures are not only true, but they are totally and reliably sufficient to our needs.
“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of
Him who called us… by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that
through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in this
world…(2 Peter 1:3, Psalm 19:7-12)
The Holy Spirit teaches us through the Word what is true and what is not. He comforts us in all our
afflictions and gives us hope in the midst of circumstances that seem hopeless .It is through the power of
His Spirit within us that we are able to live life as intended.
Scripture is the Final Authority, not your feelings. Studying the following verses will reveal what is true
about God and your relationships with Him as well as give some understanding about depression and
where it comes from. Meditating on selected passages will give you hope and help in the process of
renewing your mind.
Lamentations 3:21-23
Jeremiah 29:11
Psalms 16:8-9
Psalms 37:23-26
Psalms 138:8
Romans 5:1-5
Proverbs 15:4,5,13-14
Psalm 27
Psalm 62:5-8
Psalm 139
Romans 8:28-39
Job 11:13-19
Psalm 30: 1-5
Psalms 34:17-19
Deuteronomy 32:9-11
3. The key to overcoming depression is the use of the will, i.e. standing on the authority of God’s
Scripture apart from feelings. (Renewing the Mind)
4. Rely on the Holy Spirit to reveal what He desires to and begin with as small as steps as necessary, but
begin.
5. Present yourself in whole to God each day and, by faith, remember that you were meant to live your
life in union with Him. Your role is to abide in Him as a branch in a vine. His is to supply all power
for living. (Colossians 3:4, John 15)
6. One becomes depressed by making wrong choices and by living a life based on lies. Conversely, one
gets out of depression by making right choices, one at a time, based on the truth of God’s Word.
7. Depression is miserable, but for many, at least it is familiar. When you step, by faith, into the reality
of who God is, and rightly related to Him, it may feel unfamiliar and even frightening but each step is
a step closer to freedom.
8. Set a reasonable goal to accomplish “in Christ” today and include someone else. Doing something for
someone else is a wonderfully uplifting experience.
9. Expect ups and downs, but know that the downs get further and further apart.
10. Praising God is what we are made for and so as we lift Him up we too are lifted up. There are
beautiful praise and worship songs based on God’s truths.
11. Pour out your heart to God in prayer; He longs to communicate with you.
12. Inactivity is counter-productive. This may be a good time to start a lifestyle that includes exercise,
new hobbies, and fun (what used to be fun) activities again. Write a list of five fun things to do and
enjoy them.
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13. Meaningful relationships are important, as solitude can be the enemy of a depressed mind.
Become others focused by beginning to do things for others and get the focus off of yourself.
Biblical Case Studies
Areas of exploration:
1.
Road to Depression
Why were they depressed?
2.
Symptoms of Depression
What did their depression look like?
3.
God meets us in our Depression
How did God reach out to them?
4.
God’s cure/ man’s choice
How did they respond?
David--1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, Psalms
David had that temperament that often produces the best in poetry, prose, art, and music.
His was a sensitive heart that felt deeply, but he was prone to periodic or recurrent
depression. He struggled with his own sin, his failures as a leader, being rejected, and
betrayed by friends and family. He was king of a nation that was not a nation but a
scattered and divided people. The country was almost constantly at war. Three of his
sons turned on him; many of his officers betrayed him, some of them his closest friends.
He fought against self-pity and feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. He had plenty
in his life to bring depression to the most sanguine of natures. Of the 150 psalms in
Scripture, 48 of them have to do with depression.
The difference between David and Saul was that David knew his Savior. He had a habit
established early in his life, of turning to God when he became troubled or depressed.
(Psalm 2:8-9) When he knew he had sinned, he repented. (Ps 32:5) His psalms often
begin with a cry to God from the depths of the depression. He did plenty of complaining
for sure. But he always, reminded himself of God’s love and mercy toward him and
toward his people. Then his countenance was lifted and his psalms end with praise and
thanksgiving.
In David’s psalms we find some of the most poignant descriptions of depression’s
symptoms.
Psalm 6 “pining away” (weak, faint)
“My bones are dismayed”
“My inner self as well as my body is also exceedingly disturbed and troubled. But you,
Lord, how long until you return and speak peace to me?”
“I am weary with my groanings; all night I seek my pillow with tears. I drench my couch
with weeping.”
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Psalm 22 Feels abandoned by God: “why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far
from helping me? O my God, I cry in the daytime and you do not hear. And in the night
season, I am not silent”
Feels worthless: “ I am a worm and no man, a reproach to man and despised of people.”
Feels overwhelmed by the rejection: “Be not far from me, for there is none to help.
Many bulls have surrounded me…they gape with their mouths.” Psalm 31 “I am a
reproach among my enemies, but especially among my neighbors. I am repulsive to my
acquaintances; those who see me outside flee from me. I am forgotten like the dead man,
out of mind.”
Physically ill: “I am poured out like water and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is
like wax. It has melted within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd and my
tongue clings to my jaws. You have brought me to the dust of death…”
Psalm 25:16 “I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have enlarged; bring
me out of my distresses! Look upon my affliction and my pain.”
Psalm 31 “My eye wastes away with grief, yes my soul and my body. For my life is
spent with grief and my years with sighing.”
Psalm 32: 3 “my vitality was turned into the drought of summer.”
Psalm 38 “your arrows pierce me deeply, and your hand presses me down. There is no
soundness in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head,
like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering
because of my foolishness. I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all
day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I
am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart. Lord, all my
desire is before you; and my sighing is not hidden from my. My heart pants, my strength
fails me (anxiety attack?); as for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me. My
loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague.
Psalm 40:12 “I am not able to look up … my heart fails me.”
Psalm 55 “My heart is severely pained within me and the terrors of death have fallen
upon me. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed
me. So I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove. I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I
would wander off and remain in the wilderness.
God meets David in his depression: Psalm 40 “He brought me up out of an horrible pit,
out of the miry clay, and set me feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He put a new
song in my mouth, praise to our God; many will see it and fear and will trust the Lord.”
Moses - Circumstantial: the depressing stress of the burden of leadership.
Ex 18:1-27 Moses was acting as judge for the whole congregation, “and the people sat
around him from morning to evening.” Jethro, his father-in-law, expostulated with him
and convinced him to share the burden, choosing “able men from all the people – Godfearing men who hate unjust gain.”
Ex 3:11 – 17 Moses had a poor self-image, or perhaps an exaggerated self-distrust,
probably due to his rash acts in Egypt earlier, which precipitated his flight into the
wilderness, and his sojourn in Midian.
Num 11:15 “Why have I not found favor in your sight that you lay the burden of all this
people on me? Have I conceived all these people? … the burden is too heavy for me!
And if this is the way you deal with me, kill me, I pray, at once…”
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Elijah--I Kings 19:3, 18, 19 Burn-out
Elijah’s depression was circumstantial and induced by physical and emotional fatigue
combined with fear for his life; characterized by self-pity, doubt, uncharacteristic feelings
of woe.
Elijah had just battled the prophets of Baal and defeated them. He then executed all 450
of them, then fasted and prayed for God to end the drought, and ended the day by running
ahead of the storm and the mounted cavalcade of King Ahab to return to Jezreel. Shortly
he heard that Jezebel was looking for him with a murderous intensity. In his fatigue
(mental, emotional, and physical) the extraordinary faith that kept him through this
momentous day suddenly failed him. “An he was afraid and ran for his life…”
He fled to the wilderness then went another day’s journey into the desert and finally lay
down under a juniper tree “and he requested for himself that he might die.”
God met Elijah in his wilderness just as certainly as he met him on Mt. Carmel or at any
other time. He first ministered to Elijah’s physical needs, never rebuking Elijah for his
doubts or his self-pity. The angel told him instead, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too
great for you.”
Naomi Ruth (loss)
Naomi’s losses induced wrong thinking about God (“the hand of the Lord has gone forth
against me” (1:13). She had been living in Moab (the world) and decided to return to
Israel, yet in a state of mind of self-pity and despair, with no future hope. She chose to
return only because there was food there. Her depression is expressed well in verse 20,
“Do not call me Naomi (pleasant); call me Mara (bitter), for the Almighty has dealt very
bitterly with me.”
Her depression is characterized by unspecified, uncharacteristic feelings of woe,
negatives, self-pity, and hopelessness.
God met Naomi through her daughter-in-law, Ruth, who clung to her in love, even to
following her to a foreign land and sharing her poverty. Naomi found herself responsible
for this young woman. The need to provide for her future brought Naomi out of self
preoccupation and allowed her to begin to see God’s provision for them, first in
providing food, and finally in Ruth’s marriage to the “kinsman redeemer,” Boaz.
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© Christian Life Ministries 2008