Spiritual Journeys: Depression - Bible Study Blog

Meditation Song: Psalm 42 (Loudest Praise) by Shane & Shane

Psalm 42 – A Prayer for God’s Help in Distress

How would you describe the experience of depression?

• Psalm 42:3 – “My tears have been my food day and night”
• Psalm 42:6 – “my soul is cast down within me.”
• Sleepless nights spent worrying in the darkness, alone
• Lack of motivation to do most things
• Little confidence that anything you do will make the slightest bit of difference
• Isolation and loneliness

How does God answer the Psalmist in their depression?

• Gracious acceptance of complaints and laments
• Calling to mind God’s faithfulness in the past (42:4)
• Music: “At night your song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.” 
• A promise that there will be praising again: “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”

1 Kings 19 – Elijah Flees from Jezebel

Background: God had just given Elijah a mighty victory over King Ahab and his notorious wife, Queen Jezebel. 450 prophets of the false god Ba’al and 400 prophets of its wife Asherah assemble with Elijah, before the entire nation of Israel. God is proven to be the only true God when the false gods failed to send down fire to consume an offering. All Israel rose up and struck down the false prophets. But Queen Jezebel vowed to kill Elijah in revenge for her humiliation, and Elijah flees to the wilderness.

19:4 – He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.”

How does God respond to Elijah in his despair?

• An angel awakens Elijah and tells him to eat and drink. Two times.
• Have you noticed that when you are depressed, your inclination is to either not eat, or eat only junk food?
• The food Elijah receives is sufficient to nourish him for forty days, when God will encourage and refresh him.
• God is gentle with Elijah. The question “what are you doing here, Elijah?” should not be heard as accusatory. Elijah answers God by speaking exactly what he feels. 

God appears to him on Mount Horeb (another name for Sinai), the same mountain where God appeared to Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments. Moses stayed on Horeb for forty days, just like Elijah.

• Verses 11-12 – “But the Lord was not in the wind,” etc. – The earth always trembles when God shows up—but God is not here to terrorize Elijah. God is here to comfort him.

In verses 14-15, God gives Elijah instructions. It’s odd that God would send Elijah to anoint a non-Israelite king. It’s dangerous that God would send Elijah to anoint a new king over Israel when Ahab is still alive. 

• God restores Elijah to his prophetic vocation. Elijah now has a new purpose. He will experience God’s faithfulness once again in his obedience.
• God also directs Elijah to anoint Elisha as a prophet who will ultimately be his assistant. Elijah will now have companionship and support as he continues his vocation. 

Problem: it appears that the problem of Elijah’s depression is resolved in forty days. Many people experience depression for years or even decades. How can you help to bring a hopeless person to hopefulness?

• These persons are like Job, with tragedy after tragedy befalling them, and nothing positive ever seems to happen. Their depression may grow so severe that they essentially hide out from the world. 
• Nothing exacerbates depression and despair like isolation. Persons experiencing depression tend to be withdrawn, and sometimes turn away those who reach out to them. You may feel discouraged from reaching out them as a result.
• You cannot cure someone of their depression, any more than you can cure them of cancer or physical injury. You may only be able to “hope in God” on their behalf. 
• Do not give up believing that God promises abundant life to all persons, especially those who suffer. God’s will is healing, not suffering. 

This conversation is by no means complete. Your questions and comments are welcome!