Depression Is No Respecter of Person
ICS Daily Devotions
1 Kings 19:4-5 (NKJV) 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!” Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.”
Elijah is described as a mighty man of God. He did great exploits for the Lord, including praying the powerful prayer where he believed God for the rain, but we need to know that Elijah was as human as all of us.
Elijah received a threat by Jezebel right after a victory. He was terrified and ran for his life. He took a day’s journey into the wilderness and sat under the broom tree. He was very down, had no appetite and asked the Lord to take his life. Elijah actually went into depression after a spiritual triumph, and God had to send an angel to wake him up and tell him to eat! We need to know that it is never God’s plan for anyone to be in depression. He doesn’t want us to be fearful, anxious or panicked. He has given us His peace and His Word.
Depression is no respecter of person, and it can affect the young, the old, the man on the street or the CEO—anyone from all strata of society. It is no stigma but is just another illness or sickness. It is something that just comes upon the person. Therefore, we should not be harsh on those who are going through depression because they are going through the deepest valley in their lives. They cannot just snap out of it even though they want to—there is no quick fix.
Depending on the severity of it because depression has a wide span, they may need professional and clinical help. Therefore, we need to be empathetic, gentle, patient and kind when we are spending time with those who are depressed, such as going for a walk with them or just being a good listener. One of the best things we can do for them is to be present and listen without even giving solutions, deductions or recommendations unless it is being sought by them. We must also remember that the caregiver needs a break too, to refresh and not burn out while caring for those who are depressed.
We should be an expression of God’s grace, assurance, kindness and unconditional love by journeying with those who are going through depression. By journeying with them, we will be able to witness the hands of God upon their lives, and when God finally delivers them, we will be able to rejoice with them.
Sermon Series: Keep Your Peace
