After Elijah’s major victory on Mt. Carmel with the defeat and execution of 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah, he sank to a low that was as low as his previous high had been. Jezebel was furious that her prophets had been slain and vowed to see Elijah dead (within 24 hours). Elijah feared for his life and went on the run. He completely lost his perspective. He was God’s man and now the threat of one women sent him over the edge. Although the nation had seen God’s power displayed through Elijah and many had turned their hearts back to God, Elijah focused only on impending doom. Elijah isolated himself, even from his servant. He went 120 miles away from where God wanted him to be. Isolation caused him to exagerate his circumstance. Rather than remember all that God had done, he wallowed in self-pity, feeling that he was alone in serving God, when in fact there were 7000 faithful followers in Israel. At times we all fall into the pit of depression and self-pity. Sometimes there are circumstances that bring it on such as the loss of a loved one, job, or financial situation. Sometimes it’s biological, emotional, physical…. No one is exempt from the low times of life. Being a follower of Christ won’t keep these times from coming, but looking to God for help will sustain us and bring us out of the pit.

Scriptures – 1 Ki 19:1-12, Je 29:11; Jn 8:32

Verse 

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. (1 Ki 19:11-12)

Thought

When we are going through a low time, we can learn from Elijah’s situation. Elijah ran, but he did finally STOP. After a hard run away from his problems, filled with fear and self-pity he lay down and fell asleep. God sent an angel with food and drink. He slept more and ate again. Revived from his rest and food, he traveled for 40 days and nights. After spending a night in a cave God spoke to Elijah and told him to step out of the cave and LOOK for Him. As stated in 1 Kings 19:11-12, God displayed some miraculous signs, but God was not IN any of those. It wasn’t until Elijah LISTENED that he heard a whisper, and God was there speaking to him. God renewed Elijah and gave him a new mission. We too need to STOP and rest, refresh, refill when we are down, depressed and spiraling out. Take a break. LOOK for God. Pray, read the Bible, seek God’s revelation in our life. Then LISTEN for God. He doesn’t always display his wonders in great and mighty miracles, but he speaks when we listen and makes his presence, plan, peace and power known in our lives.

Questions

When was a time that you were in a low place in your life? Do you know what caused it? How did you respond? How long were you there? How did you emerge from that low? How did God work and move in your life? Are you prone to high highs and low lows? What do you do to try and keep your spiritual and emotional life in balance?

Response 

Maintain an ongoing relationship with a Christian friend with whom you can share. Be honest and allow that person to be honest with you. If you are losing perspective or isolating, a close friend can see these warning signs and point it out. Paying attention to Godly advice can save us lots of pain.

Prayer

Dear Lord, keep me focused on you and not on my circumstances. Help me to stop and look to you when I am struggling. Speak to my heart and help me to listen for your voice and be obedient. In Jesus Name I pray, amen!