Authentic Prayer: Depression

Then he traveled through the wilderness for a day. He sat down under a broom plant and wanted to die. “I’ve had enough now, LORD,” he said. “Take my life! I’m no better than my ancestors.”
1 Kings 19:4

When you want to give up on everything, God wants to talk.

Immediately after Elijah called fire from heaven and routed the prophets of the false god Baal on Mount Carmel, the vicious Queen Jezebel sends the prophet fleeing into the wilderness, where he collapses.

Disappointed his spectacular victory hadn’t brought down Jezebel and her husband, Ahab, Elijah invites God to slay him. He’s had enough, the burdens of his job obviously outweighing its joys. His life is wasted. He’s frail, cowardly, mortal, no better than anyone who came before him.

God doesn’t try to reason with Elijah. He lets him sleep and feeds him. Then the Lord lets him eat, drink, and sleep some more. After traveling forty days and nights, Elijah meets God in a whisper. He wants nothing more than to serve God, and now he knows he doesn’t serve alone.

As you struggle through life, the Lord won’t shut out your despondent prayers. He isn’t shocked when you hurl harsh words straight at him. When you feel shattered, tell him. Let him help you put life back together.

Inspired by 1 Kings 19:1-18

Broom plant photo courtesy of Ariel Palmon, CC 3.0