Depression is a widespread mental health condition that affects approximately 322 million people all around the world. It affects the way a person feels, thinks, and manages their daily activities.
- Name three strengths you have.
- List five people in your support circle that you could call if you were in need.
1 Kings 19
Read 1 Kings 19:1-3:
What caused Elijah to run away?
What fear causes you to panic, run, and hide?
Fear is a major contributor to depression. Fear is defined as a human emotion triggered by a perceived threat. Fear paralyzes and cripples us from doing and becoming who we are destined to be. In Elijah’s case, fear for his life caused him to run. In our lives, fear can lead to depression as we become aware of the thoughts of others regarding us, fear of loneliness, and the fear of things not turning out as planned.
Read 1 Kings 19:4:
How did fear of failure cause Elijah to fall into depression?
How have failures caused you to question your usefulness?
Elijah eagerly wanted to put an end to Israel’s adultery. This was a task that the prophets before him could not accomplish. Not reaching his goal made Elijah feel like a failure, useless. Sometimes we may be filled with so much passion and zeal as we try to accomplish a task, but due to challenges or obstacles, we do not get the desired result. When this happens there is a tendency to be very self-critical and believe our failure is a result of incompetence, not being good enough, or not working hard enough. However, this is not the case. You are not a failure; and though the desired outcome was not achieved, you should not give up on yourself but stay motivated and encouraged.
Read 1 Kings 19:5:
How did fatigue contribute to Elijah’s depression?
How has fatigue affected you and contributed to your own mental health condition?
Imagine running fearfully for your life and coming to a point where you fall asleep under a tree. This is significant because fearfully running for your life is emotionally taxing. Falling asleep beneath a tree shows Elijah’s level of exhaustion. Fatigue is often connected to depression.
Read 1 Kings 19:4-8: How did God care for Elijah during his moment of depression?
How have you dealt with your depression in the past? Has that method been helpful?
What lessons can we learn from God’s care for Elijah to help with your own depression?
How much time do you allow yourself to rest, not including your usual time to sleep?
Read 1 Kings 19:9-14: What invitation did God give to Elijah?
What lesson can you learn from this invitation?
How has speaking with someone helped with your depression?
Read 1 Kings 19:13-18: How did God give Elijah a new perspective?
How could talking with those you trust help you see your situation as more hopeful than you realized?
Review 1 Kings 19:13-18: God sends Elijah back to work. How might going back to work have helped Elijah’s progress towards depression recovery?
How might getting back to work and starting your daily routine help with your depression recovery?
What first step will you take toward your depression recovery?
Dear God, I pray that You help me to trust in Your love for me. Help me to know that I am not alone when I am at my lowest moments. God, help me to find Your light when I am in a dark place feeling hopeless and depressed. Help me to see my worth and my value. In Jesus’ name, amen.