Overcoming Life’s Problems:

Elijah – A Case Study in Depression

 

FILING INFORMAITON:

2000010

Subject: depression; attitude; love

Preached Originally: 02/13/00 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.      What Bible Character would you want to be most like?  Who would you like to most emulate?

1.       David?  Peter?  Barnabas?  Paul?  Certainly…these are great characters.

2.       We might need however to think more on terms of some of the characters of Jesus’ parables:

a)    think especially – the publican – Lk. 18:13-14

b)   Bible specifically calls attention to a heroic figure from the OT & says that he had a nature just like us.

c)    Js. 5:16-18

3.       Fact:  he possessed emotions like we do; faced challenges like we do; experienced discouragement like we do.

B.      Today….we want to consider an episode in his life – where he experienced depression.

1.       as discussed last week – most common emotional wound is depression.

2.       Depression a common problem in society today.  Some statistics:  19 million Americans battle this.

C.      Other statistics:

1.       more than 20% of Americans (1 in 5) can expect to get some form of depression in their life time.

2.       Almost 66% (2 in 3) of all cases of depression not treated.

3.       Almost 80% who experience depression can feel better w/proper treatment.

4.       Depression can affect anyone regardless of background, through major depression strikes women twice as often as men.

D.     Also:  note before we begin – must be aware that differing varieties of depression exist.  These go beyond normal range of human discouragement and stress.

1.       Major depression – characterized by life threatening/paralyzing behavior – suicidal tendencies.

2.       Moderate depression – can be chronic.  Last for years.  Characterized by low self esteem/low energy.  Other symptoms:  over conscientiousness/under achievement, unfulfilling social life.

3.       Manic depression – wild mood swings; periods of exaggerated elation to deep bouts of depression.

a)    strong evidence that this inherited – some say caused by chemical imbalance in brain.

b)   Most often requires professional assistance to cope with.

E.      Having now laid basic framework – let’s move to Elijah’s story.

 

I.  Background of Elijah’s Story.

A.         1 Kings 18 – soundly defeats prophets of Baal/Ashera.  People renounce the idols.

1.       But….Israel fails to follow through & remove Ahab & Jezebel. 

2.       19:1-2 – Jezebel’s reaction to Elijah’s victory.

B.         Notice Elijah’s response:  Some say this marks the classic symptoms of major depression.

1.     19:3-4a – Fled; withdrew himself from others.

a)    knew Jezebel could clearly carry out threat.

b)   People suffering from depression often isolate themselves.  Even from favorite people, activities enjoyed.

3.       19:4b – wanted to die.

a)    most depressed people entertain thoughts about death.  Feel life much better w/o them.

b)   As many of 5% of depressed patients commit suicide.

c)    33% experiencing mild depression entertain suicidal thoughts.  75% experiencing major depression entertain suicide.

4.       19:4c – Elijah felt worthless.

a)    inner critical thoughts lead to depression & destroy self esteem.

b)   Often leads to isolation.

5.       19:10; 14 – Elijah felt lonely.

a)    depressed; feel as have no friends.

b)   Depression like slipping off a slippery slope.

1)   worthlessness; isolation; loneliness; worthlessness.

6.       Perhaps this why James said Elijah a man w/a nature like ours!

a)    But remember:  these extreme characteristics rare.

b)   Again…only 25% ever suffer “real” depression.  That means the remaining 75% of us must work to understand and sympathize.

C.         What could have played a role in Elijah’s depression?

1.     Could have been his temperament.

a)     many prophets deeply emotional – b/c of magnitude of message – cf. Jeremiah; Elijah.

b)    His physical condition could have played a role.

1)   19:5-7

2)   poor nutrition/fatigue play major role.  (dark moods come at night.)

2.     Could have been result of life’s experiences.

a)     19:2 – just received a death threat.

b)    Some things are just emotionally devastating to our lives.  (death, divorce, terminal illness)

3.     Could have been result of personal choices.

a)     not that he desired depression

b)    but…how he chose to take care of himself & THINK about Jezebel’s threat.

 

II.  God’s Answer for Depression.

A.     First of all:  Note what God DID NOT do.

1.     Condemn Elijah for lack of faith.

a)    brethren attack depressed for lack of faith, failure to study, pray.

b)   Remember:  lack of faith NOT Elijah’s problem.  1 Kings 18 – once so sure that when Israel saw God’s power that ALL of Israel would repent.

c)    Unless there = unconfessed sin to rebuke (David) then it grave mistake to accuse depressed person of spiritual weakness.

2.     Order Elijah to “snap out of it.”

a)    19:8 – exchange b/t God & Elijah went on for how long?  40 days/nights.

b)   Depressed people would “snap out of it” if they could.

c)    Experts:  take just as long to pull out of depression as it does to spiral down into it.

3.     Minimize Elijah’s pain.

a)    did God say:  You’re upset over nothing! ???

b)   attempt to minimize depressed person’s pain – you’ll lose all credibility w/them.

c)    Study of cancer patients w/depression report people telling them:  “You’re just feeling sorry for yourself; you’re upset over nothing.”

4.     Threaten to leave.

a)    over the 40 days God never threatened to leave b/c He had His fill.

b)   It often frustrating; some tempted to leave those who have to deal w/it.  This only adds to self hate of depression.

B.     What did God do?

1.     19:5-8 – provided for physical well being

a)    rest/nourishment essential for health – period.

b)   See Dr. if depressed.  May be a major physical contributor to your problem.

c)    Can prescribe anti-depressants to stabilize emotions.

d)   DISCLAIMER….

2.     19:9-10 – Listened to Elijah.

a)    depressed normally have many repressed emotions that must come out.  Don’t always brush it aside as self pity!

b)   Just listen – you don’t have to advise!

3.     19:10 – Replaced His thought distortions with the truth.

a)    Elijah – I am only one left who does not serve Baal.

b)   His thinking distorted to all or nothing scenario.  “Either all of Israel repent IMMEDIATELY – or no one cares.”

c)    19:17-18 – God answered Him w/a rational response.

4.     19:15-16a – God gave him work to do.

a)    God let him know that he was not a failure by giving him another job.

b)   This changed His pattern of isolated; lethargic; nothingness.

c)    It = crucial for the depressed person to GET BUSY – but be careful !  If too much taken on too soon – end in disaster – reinforce negative emotions.

1)   begin w/small steps

2)   set low standards & work upward. 

3)   Elijah:  anointing someone not nearly as big as taking on Baal worshippers/priests.

5.     19:11-12 - God comforted Elijah by His presence.

a)    scholars disagree as to precise significance of this.  But…

b)   it demonstrated that God was with Elijah & that the prophet was in God’s presence.

c)    This would imply that severe depression requires special attention & careful treatment.

d)   Want to help depressed person?  Speak to them in small voice of love/encouragement.

 

Conclusion

A.      You depressed?  You not a faithless rebel or emotional outcast.  You possess a nature just like Elijah’s.

B.      God will help.  Not in dramatic way like w/Elijah – but working through means of truth – providing for yourself physically & even medically – God will help you!

C.      Psa. 147:3

D.     I N V I T A T I O N