By Marlin Reid
People have this idea that the prophet Elijah was a strong powerhouse. This is not completely accurate. We don’t know much about Elijah, but we do know he, “was a man subject to like passions as we are” (King James Version, James 5: 17). Yes; he performed the miracle of the barrel of meal and a cruse of oil and resurrected the widow’s son (1 Kings 17: 7-24). Yes; he parted the Jordan (1 Kings 2:8). And most amazingly, he was caught up to heaven in a whirlwind (1 Kings 2:11). Even still, the Bible makes it clear to note Elijah’s humanity. At times, Elijah was afraid (1 Kings 19:3). He had doubts and was conflicted (1 Kings 19:14). Elijah even struggled with suicide (1 Kings 19:4). Simply put, he was a human being just like you.
We all have a purpose, and God gives us assignments to complete our purpose. Elijah was tasked to, “turn the heart of the fathers to their children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (King James Version, Malachi 4:6). One way Elijah did this is by challenging the prophets of Baal. In 1 Kings 18:38, Elijah proves that the God of Abraham is the one true God when he prayed for fire from heaven to burn the sacrifice on the wet altar (something the prophets of Baal could not accomplish). This miracle made the people believe that, “The Lord, He is the God” (King James Version, 1 Kings 19:39). Elijah then killed all the prophets of Baal. It seemed as if Elijah had won. But Jezebel didn’t see it that way. She condemned him to death (1 Kings 19:2). His assignment didn’t go according to his plan, so he fell into depression and ran into the wilderness to escape persecution. Even though Elijah worked supernatural miracles, he was still subject to human emotions. Like many of us, he had a “wilderness experience”. Here are five key things we can learn from Elijah’s humanizing wilderness experience.
You are not in control
Housed within our soul is our temperament. The ancient Greeks characterized four types of temperament: sanguine, choleric, melancholy and phlegmatic. The sanguine is lively and optimistic. People with choleric temperament are often logical. Those with melancholic temperament are traditional and like to be right. And, people with phlegmatic temperament like to be around people and desire to have loving and close relationships. Elijah’s temperament can be best described as melancholy. Melancholies want to be in control. They like to win. They are usually the most depressed out of the four temperaments. Life is beyond the control of man. Losing control of circumstances is what might cause melancholies to be depressed.
After Elijah’s victory over the prophets of Baal, he was forced to run for his life. His victory was snatched away from him, and he seemingly went from winning to losing. Elijah didn’t like to lose. Melancholies are also perfectionist. Elijah lost focus. The victory was never his in the first place. We have to remember that God is in control. Yielding our expectations over to God will make it more difficult to be depressed. Remember, what you think is a failure, God might not see as a failure. Trust that God has your best interest.
Don’t try to go it alone
Elijah left his servant Obadiah behind as he traveled into the wilderness (1 Kings 19). It’s as if he didn’t want anyone to talk him out of his feelings, or anyone to talk him out of committing suicide. The Bible speaks to the need for us to have companionship. This is especially true for people dealing with depression. We need one another to help bare the other’s burdens. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (New International Version, Proverbs 17:17). This is why Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs (Luke 10:1). “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (New International Version, Ecclesiastes 4:12). Don’t try to be a lone ranger. Keep your friends close.
Keep hope alive
When you are depressed you don’t pay attention to all the things that God has already done. Most often, you look at everything that God hasn’t done and everything that is going wrong. Elijah was ready to give up. He lost perspective. People often get so disappointed that they can’t see the future. The devil wants to shatter the image of a successful future because it takes away hope. Hope has to do with looking forward. It deals with imagination. The devil wants to take away the vision of what your future looks like to destroy your hope in the present. Elijah lost sight of what God had done and focused on the negative information in front of him (that Jezebel wanted him dead). We have to keep hope because hope brings faith. And we know that, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” (King James Version, Hebrews 11:6)
You are not a superhero
Elijah is an excellent example of how even the most anointed can experience emotional distress. Elijah was a rugged man. He was an outdoor person. He could live under adverse circumstances. Even still, the roughest, toughest character can only take so much. Remember, you are not unlike Elijah. God knew you were going to have emotional burn out. He knew you were going to feel like giving up. And yet, He still picked you. God is not going to change His mind about what He called you to do. It’s okay to be human.
God doesn’t throw pity parties
After Elijah ran into the wilderness alone and contemplated suicide, he fell asleep. When he woke up, he was greeted by an angel. The angel immediately started preparing Elijah for his next assignment by offering him food and water. (1 Kings 19:5-8) You see; God talks solutions not problems. God didn’t address Elijah’s circumstances, his depression, or his hurt feelings. There are times you might be depressed. However, in those moments know God is ready to supernaturally strengthen you. When the Holy Ghost touches you and strengthens you with might, you can survive anything.
Elijah was a natural ordinary man who performed supernatural miracles. His relationship with God allowed him to walk in supernatural power. Like Elijah, you need something from out of this world to help you walk in this world. You need strength for your journey. A relationship with God can most certainly help satisfy all of your needs (physical, spiritual and emotional). Be encouraged! Elijah battled through emotional distress and ended in victory, and so can you!
Pastor Marlin J. Reid
Pastor Reid was born in Detroit, MI, the youngest of ten children, eight boys and two girls. Born again at the age of 10, he grew up and served in the local church until age 17 when he entered the ministry. Upon graduating from Bible College, he entered full time ministry. Since embarking in full time ministry in 1995, Pastor Reid has traveled the world conducting revivals, crusades, workshops and seminars. He has been seen across the world on television, proclaiming God’s word, and healing God’s people through the example set by the Lord Jesus. He started The River in 2007.
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