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)
When it feels as if I’ve hit rock bottom and no escape seems possible, I feel like God doesn’t care. No one cares, and since God controls all things, why has He allowed these circumstances that have led me into a depressed state.
Elijah feared Queen Jezebel’s threat against his life, so he ran out of her reach. Then like most depressed people, he isolated himself, leaving his servant in Judah.
In the wilderness, Elijah sat under a broom tree. These trees pop up in the Bible whenever someone feels distraught. The tree offers just enough shade to let Elijah rest and regain some sustenance.
Elijah prayed from a heart filled with regret and unfulfilled expectations. He even asked God to take his life.
We see God’s care, first in the physical and then in the spiritual. God provided Elijah the shade of this broom tree, and He sent an angel to minister to Elijah, providing him with food and water. After Elijah rested, God drew him into His presence at Mount Horeb.
Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. Then God questioned Elijah. “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9 NKJV)
The only time I have felt abandoned by God is when I am depressed. We see here that even though we feel forsaken and alone, God meets us in our depression, like He did for Elijah.
God’s question caused Elijah to refocus. He wanted to bring Elijah out of the darkness of the cave which represented Elijah’s self-deception. God wanted to bring him into the light of the truth. As Elijah stood on the mountain, the Lord passed by. Winds broke the rocks, an earthquake shook the mountain, and fire burned, but God wasn’t in any of these supernatural phenomena. After all the noise, God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice.
God asked Elijah the same question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah continued giving God his same pitiful answer.
So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; 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 NKJV)
So, God enlisted Elijah into his next job, anointing the next two kings, and Elisha, his replacement. God gave Elijah purpose again.
Friend, you might feel as desperate as Elijah, but God does care. You will see Him attending to your physical needs. Then He will draw you into His presence and eventually, renew your purpose. He hasn’t abandoned you. Look for Him as others minister to you. Listen for His small still voice. He is with you.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your tender mercies when I don’t even think You care. Forgive me for doubting Your love. I need Your comfort today. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
The enemy’s lie is that God has abandoned you and doesn’t care. How can you replace that lie with the truth during times of despair?
RELATED RESOURCE
Coming in the fall…Faith That Walks on Water: Conquering Emotional Bondage with the Armor of God. Depression is a mental illness, but it is an emotional one. I address that topic in my upcoming book. Keep up to date on the release and get a 7-day prayer guide based on the armor of God when you subscribe here.
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Originally posted on May 20, 2022 @ 3:08 am