Mental health professionals agree that the pandemic and protests are causing rates of depression and other mental health conditions to escalate. A US Census Bureau survey found “the prevalence of anxiety and depression among U.S. adults was three times higher during the pandemic than a year earlier.” Loss of control is both a cause and symptom of depression, and many feel they’ve lost control of their lives. People of faith aren’t immune to this illness. As noted last week, Elijah battled it. (If you want to refresh your memory of his experience, you can find a synopsis in my previous post.) What encouragement and keys can we find in Elijah’s story to assist us if we or someone we love is fighting depression?

Step 1 in Fighting Depression: Rest

After Elijah’s 100-mile dash from Mt. Carmel to Beersheba (1 Kings 19), he left his servant and traveled another day’s journey into the wilderness. Sitting under a broom tree, he told God he was done.

I have had enough, Lord. Take my life (Hebrew: nephesh— physical life or free will).

1 Kings 19:4

Despite his disappointment and dejection, Elijah maintained communication with God—a crucial decision. No question, Jezebel’s threat caused him despair. But was his response related to his fear or his failure to trust God? We can interpret his words as a surrender of his will to God’s plan rather than a death wish. In fighting depression, healing comes not from giving up but from giving in to the One who loves us even when we don’t love ourselves.

Then, overcome by exhaustion, Elijah lay down and slept. Biblical rest refers not only to sleep but also to submission to God, which leads to peace.

How did God meet and minister to the prophet in his time of desperation?

Elijah may have felt despondent, but he was never out of the Lord’s sight or care. First, God empowered him to run 100+ miles. Next, he led Elijah to a shade tree in the wilderness. Then, the Lord neither corrected nor condemned the prophet. Instead, he allowed him to rest, sending an angel with necessary nourishment. Not once, but twice. Provision for his current needs and preparation for his future.

Why Rest?

Exhaustion—whether physical, emotional, mental, relational, or spiritual—makes us more susceptible to depression. Psychology Today reported, “The key to successful treatment of depression may be treating the insomnia that accompanies it.” We cannot ignore the connection between physical and mental health.

We need a break from the continuous news and tension that bombards us. A temporary disconnection from technology can be therapeutic. Instead of allowing the trauma of the times to separate us from the Lord, we can permit our pain to push us closer. 

Depression is neither sin nor punishment. God longs to be our hope and help when we’re fighting depression. Our Creator knows we need rest and prepares a broom tree, a place of his presence and provision. Although depression isn’t a choice, accepting the Lord’s invitation is. Jesus offers us his yoke so he can share our burdens, enabling us to experience his rest.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

God’s provision of rest and nourishment strengthened Elijah for the next phase of his healing.

What’s Next?

When the Lord commanded the Israelites to rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11), he directed them to cease from their activities. Not merely to regain strength, but to focus on, to bond with God. Not only withdrawal but also engagement. Resting in the security of his love and acceptance. Rest serves more than one purpose. As Elijah discovered, spending time in solitude and silence can sharpen our ability to hear God’s voice.

When Elijah was fighting depression, the first step in God’s treatment plan was rest. But rest alone wasn’t enough. Join me next week as we follow the prophet on his 40-day, 200-mile journey to the Mountain of God, where the Lord continued to meet and minister to Elijah.