March 18, 2016

God Cares For The Depressed

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb the mountain of God. -- 1 Kings 19:3-8


Are depressed people self-centered and selfish? That question came up in conversation the other day. It’s a touchy topic and one with intense ramifications if it is judged wrongly.

The short answer: Most depressed people are not self-centered or selfish. There are some, I’m sure, who use depression to manipulate others and focus attention on themselves. I’ve rarely met one but it is possible.

Most depressed people are living in a black hole. That’s why they can’t see anyone but themselves. Think about it like this: When the power goes out and everything is pitch black around you, what do you see? Nothing. That’s how it is for someone suffering from depression.

There are many causes of depression. Some cases are caused by events and some are caused by physical issues, such as low serotonin. It is frequently a combination of things and sometimes takes many doctors and therapists working together with the patient to unravel what is really going on.

I get so upset when someone assumes the person can just “get over it” because that just isn’t true. Nor does depression indicate a lack of faith. Depression is an illness, just like heart disease or diabetes. And it can kill. Never, ever brush that fact aside. When someone talks about suicide, take it seriously. They’ve likely decided that those they love will be better off without them.

This passage of Scripture always reminds me of how God cares for people who are so weary that they have given up. God would never brush someone aside or tell them to just “get over it.” God cares for His children. So should we.

I hope you never suffer from depression. I also hope you never have a loved one with this dreaded disease. In some ways, I think that is even worse. But know that God walks with us on this journey. When depression hits, He is there.

November 2, 2014

God Cares For Us

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. -- 1 Kings 19:3-5a

Some seasons of life are just tough. It seems as though life keeps throwing darts and, well, they hurt. Every time you think things are about to change for the better, something else happens and down you go -- again. Have you ever been there?

During this difficult season there are always ample people around to criticize you and to blame you for everything that has gone wrong. Sick? You should have taken better care of yourself. Unemployed? You should have realized your company was downsizing. Divorce? You should have married smarter or worked harder. The list goes on and on. People love to pile it on when you're already down.

I'm so thankful that God doesn't do that. I love the story of Elijah. This prophet was strong and committed to God. Until one day he'd just had one thing too many dumped on him. He fell apart. Anyone who has ever fell into that dark pit can relate. Many of us can be so strong in the fire, then we just collapse when it's all over. We're just done. That's where Elijah found himself.

God could have chastised him. He could have given Elijah a pep talk and sent him on his way. Instead, God sent an angel to minister to his servant. When he was strengthened, then God spoke to Elijah. I believe that God is that way with us. When life has worn us down and we feel we can't go on, God doesn't punish us for being tired. He cares for us, loves us, will welcome us into His loving embrace. God will strengthen us until we can go on again, turning darkness into light.

I am so grateful to know that when the world is crashing down all around me, God doesn't join the crowd.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Turn To God

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

-- 1 Kings 19:3-4

  Elijah was tired and discouraged. Sure, he’d had victories. But Jezebel had promised to kill him. The constant struggle no doubt weighed on him. Sometimes you just need a day off. A day free from worry and headaches and demands. A day to sleep in and recharge yourself.

That’s basically what Elijah got from God. The next verses tell us that an angel of the LORD woke Elijah and told him to eat and drink because “the journey is too much for you.” God didn’t chastise His servant. God comforted Elijah, He provided him with nourishment and, later, a priceless gift. Because God came to Elijah and spoke with him, encouraged him, gave him advice.

It’s hard sometimes to see God in the darkness that accompanies discouragement and fatigue. It’s difficult to believe that life might ever be better. That you’ll ever be strong enough to handle the never-ending demands. That the criticism and knocks don’t have to define who you are.

Always remember that you are never alone in that dismal place. God never leaves you. He doesn’t berate you or criticize you or call you selfish because you’re too tired to pretend anymore. He comes to you wherever you are and strengthens you.

So when you feel like you can’t face another day and that there will never be a better tomorrow, take it to God. Ask Him to help you and strengthen you and guide you. He will. Every time.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

God Is There

"After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." -- 1 Kings 19:12

Nobody paints a sky more beautifully than God! I watch the colors change every afternoon while I walk. It's like the clouds dance to an unheard chorus as they move around the sky. I am forever amazed at the brilliance.

So many people only see God in the big moments. They see Him at church, in the birth of a child or in the comfort given to a cancer patient. They don't look for God in the smaller things in life. We wouldn't want to bother Him with small joys, with small concerns, with daily life. But we don't bother Him. He delights in us. He wants to be with us in all things.

Elijah was more than a little stressed. He'd done what the Lord asked, but people had rejected him and were trying to kill him. So God came to Him, not in the powerful wind or the earthquake or the fire. God came in the gentle whisper that followed.

He shows up in the quiet moments of our lives. When chaos swirls around us, when life seems out of control and we don't know which way to turn. God is there. His artistic wonder and love surround us. All we have to do is look. He is there in the silent beauty of the day.