Triggers to Spiritual Depression

In a recent sermon I spoke to the issue regarding spiritual depression based upon a passage in I Kings 18-19.  Elijah experienced spiritual depression along with David, Jeremiah, and Paul just to name a few.

As I studied the downside of Elijah's ministry after defeating the prophets of Baal, I saw 4 factors that contributed to his spiritual depression.

The first was spiritual, emotional, and physical exhaustion.  Elijah had just had a euphoric moment on Mount Carmel defeating the prophets of Baal and seeing the people of Israel declare that there is only one true God.  Elijah then spends himself in fervent prayer for rain followed by a 20 mile marathon down the hill to Jezreel.  Exhaustion from draining times in life whether good or bad can trigger spiritual depression.

Secondly Elijah had to deal with the threat of Queen Jezebel.  Even though Elijah defeated 400 prophets he found Jezebel's threat too much for him.  When we are in a place of criticism and rejection it is easy to find ourselves quickly spiraling downward.  Especially those of us in leadership find this to be a given.  There will always be critics in our lives but accompanied with exhaustion it can be dangerous.

Thirdly the chapter tells us that Elijah became afraid and ran.  Fear is terribly debilitating.  There are so many things to fear in our lives if we allow ourselves to go there.  Whether it be health, economic, relational, domestic, or foreign fears, it is easy to find ourselves worrying just about anything.

Finally Elijah did something he ought not to do.  He separated from his aide and went off into the desert by himself.  Isolation can be deadly.  Alone in the spiral of fear, threats, and weariness can be ever so dangerous.  It gives satan the opportunity to play with our minds without external input.

So are your experiencing these in your life?  My next blog will give you the help you need to overcome spiritual depression.   God became Elijah's therapist.

Until next time.  Hang in there.