Elijah – Remaining Steadfast Through Uncertainty

• Depression – it’s a common human experience
• Consider what Elijah had just experienced. The people had responded and acknowledged the one true God. God’s majesty and power had been on display in miraculous fashion. Elijah had good reason to be on an emotional high.
• And now, for the first time in over 3 years, the rains come again! (18:45)
• The power of God comes over Elijah, and he runs ahead of Ahab’s chariot (v. 46)

• Again, Ahab seems unable or unwilling to stand up to his wicked queen (19:1,2)
• Jezebel threatens Elijah, and gives him 24 hours head start. Was this to avoid the fate of the Baal prophets on Mt. Carmel? (v. 1-2)
• Elijah’s response? See v. 3. Why do you think Elijah’s state of mind changed so quickly? He was truly a defeated man. (v. 4-5)

• In one of Elijah’s lowest moments, God comes to him, with what he needs. God had not forgotten nor forsaken his servant.
• Isn’t that a wonderful example of God’s compassion? No lectures, no discipline, just tender comfort.
• Remember, Elijah was "a man just like us" (James 5:17)

• Often follows "mountaintop experiences"
• Often follows intense periods of stress and hyperactivity
• Often coincides with physical and emotional exhaustion (boundaries)
• Often follows keen disappointment and disillusionment
• Often results from periods of anger

#1) Being a Christian does not guarantee we won’t experience depression

#2) Under certain circumstances, we should expect to experience depression

#3) Depression always distorts our view of reality (I Kings 19:9)

#4) God wants us to get sufficient rest for life’s long haul

#5) We are more vulnerable when we are physically and emotionally exhausted (Matt. 4)

#6) Understanding depression can help us cope with its presence

For next week, read I Kings 19:9-18