God's Treatment for Depression
Elijah 1 Kings 19
Most of my adult life, I have wavered back and forth between mild to severe depression. There are some major misunderstandings in the world today surrounding depression. Depression is not simply temporary sadness but is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It can interfere with daily functioning and is often associated with chemical imbalances in the brain, genetics, and life circumstances. This condition can be caused by a mixture of internal and external factors.
I want to write as clearly as I can: Depression in and of itself is not sinful. Grief in and of itself is not sinful. But God does provide a way out for each of us. I also want to state that I am not a doctor, and anything I say below is not medical advice.
Depression in Scripture
Depression is nothing new. In fact, many great men and women throughout history have felt its effects. Moses, at one point in his ministry, said:
"I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness." (Numbers 11:14-15, ESV)
Job, after facing some of the greatest losses any man can endure, said:
"Why did I not perish at birth, come forth from the womb and expire?" (Job 3:11, ESV)
But the passage that I want to focus on provides a wonderful biblical guide on how to combat depression.
Elijah's Story: A Biblical Guide to Overcoming Depression
In 1 Kings 18, Elijah, the prophet of the Lord, was used by God in a mighty showdown with the prophets of Baal. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to call upon their god to send fire down on a sacrifice, while he would call upon the Lord. Despite their desperate efforts, the prophets of Baal failed, but when Elijah prayed, God sent fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice, the altar, and even the water around it. The people fell in worship, declaring, "The Lord, He is God!" Elijah then had the false prophets executed, bringing a decisive victory for the Lord.
Yet after this, Elijah received word from Queen Jezebel that she was seeking to kill him:
"Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, 'So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.'" (1 Kings 19:2, ESV)
Elijah then fled out of fear and eventually sat down underneath a broom tree. He prayed and said:
"But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, 'It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.'" (1 Kings 19:4, ESV)
Here, we see how God ministers to Elijah and addresses his depression.
1. Physical Needs Met
"And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, 'Arise and eat.' And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, 'Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.'" (1 Kings 19:5-7, ESV)
One of the most overlooked aspects of depression is its connection to physical health. Many cases are linked to poor sleep, diet, and exhaustion. In Elijah’s case, God sent an angel to provide him with food, water, and rest.
Physical and spiritual exhaustion are real. We all have our limits, and we need to rest. God designed us to work diligently but also to rest, trusting that He is in control. This means prioritizing sleep, proper nutrition, and a weekly Sabbath to recharge.
I also want to emphasize the importance of seeking professional help. If a doctor believes medication will help, listen to their advice. However, understand that medication only dulls symptoms—it does not address the root causes of depression.
2. Take a Walk—Look at the Distance
"And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God." (1 Kings 19:8, ESV)
This may seem unusual to modern readers, but for centuries, taking a walk has been a common way to clear the mind. There are scientific reasons for this. Walking encourages us to look beyond ourselves and focus on the bigger picture. It reminds us that stepping forward, even when it feels difficult, leads to progress.
Elijah was commanded to walk for forty days to Mount Horeb. Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, is a significant biblical location where Moses received the Ten Commandments. It is a place of divine encounter, symbolizing God's revelation and renewal. Elijah's journey to Horeb was not just a physical one; it was a spiritual pilgrimage, bringing him back to the presence of God for guidance and restoration.
3. Listen to the Comforting Word of God
"10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
15 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”'" (1 Kings 19:9-17, ESV)
God spoke to Elijah in his distress, not through fire or an earthquake but through a gentle whisper. This passage reminds us that when we are overwhelmed, we must listen to God’s voice and realign our hearts with His truth.
Three Key Lessons from God's Response to Elijah:
Know Your Purpose – Serve the Lord faithfully, even when you feel discouraged.
Invest in Others – Depression often isolates us, but God encouraged Elijah to train Elisha and continue his ministry.
Know You Are Not Alone – Elijah thought he was the only faithful one left, but God revealed that there were 7,000 others who had not bowed to Baal.
"Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (1 Kings 19:18, ESV)
Conclusion
Elijah’s story teaches us that depression is real, even among God’s people. Yet, through rest, nourishment, movement, and the Word of God, healing is possible. If you are struggling, remember that you are not alone—God is with you, and He has a purpose for you. Seek His voice, trust His plan, and do not be afraid to ask for help.