I have had enough, Lord…

Grief and trauma can cause all kinds of depression in normal people. In other words, it’s not abnormal to get down or depressed. One of my biggest concerns with the government shutdowns and responses to COVID-19 was the emotional toll it took on normal, hard-working people. I’m not saying I had a better plan, but I am saying health is not just physical—it’s emotional, relational, spiritual and financial. The virus and the common avoidance measures have cost millions and millions of people dearly. May God help everyone through these losses.

friend, have you experienced the loss of a loved one, job, company, scholarship or relationship in the past year? Have you struggled with discouragement or even depression? Please don’t feel guilty. Even the great patriarchs of the Bible had episodes of depression. The superstar prophet Elijah sat under a tree one day and said, “‘I have had enough, Lord,’ … ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” (1 Kings 19:4, NKJV) 

Why was this legend so depressed? Why did he want to die? There are a few possible causes that jump out at me right away:

1. Many of his prophet friends had been killed by Jezebel and her minions. 
2. His life was being threatened by Jezebel.
3. He was coming off a big high after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal. 
4. He was tired, hungry and worn out.

friend, can you relate to these causes? I’d love to pray for you in the days to come. If Elijah can be that depressed, then so can we. 

The Lord really helped Elijah get out of his serious emotional battle. The divine “A. B. C.” antidote could also help you: 

1. Rest, sleep and eat a heavenly menu. You are human. “...there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.” (1 Kings 19:6, NIV) 
2. There are 7,000 people who are with you. You are not alone. “‘Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.’” (1 Kings 19:18, NIV) 
3. Pour your life into others. “The Lord said to him, ‘Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.’” (1 Kings 19:15-16, NIV) 

friend, it’s not an exhaustive list, but I’ve seen it work for thousands of depressed people. It’s my prayer that the Spirit of God helps you.

Because you’re a miracle.