Lily Girls Magazine

By Nicole Buckingham

As Americans, the media heavily influences us. As Christians, we are prone to doubting and even judging most of what we see in and through the media. I’ve been a victim of this many times and many times it has caused great confusion concerning my values and beliefs.

One of the most advertised problems in our society today is depression. For years, while watching friends and family struggle, I was very skeptical of the validity of someone actually being “depressed”. I’ve been taught all of my Christian life that Christ is sufficient for all of my needs and that in Him I can find joy and peace. Doesn’t that truth rule out the possibility of me ever becoming depressed? Shouldn’t I be immune to depression? The answer is no. Even the most surrendered believers can be affected by uncontrolled circumstances and feel depressed.

In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah faces one of the most trying times in his ministry. In fear of being killed by Jezebel, Elijah fled; literally “ran for his life” (vs.3) into the wilderness. If we take a close look at his behavior and feelings during this time, we see several crucial signs of depression:

1. Elijah wasn’t thinking clearly.
2. He separated himself and alienated himself from everyone.
3. He hit an emotional slump.
4. He was physically and emotionally exhausted.
5. He submitted to self pity.

Even during this lowest point, God was faithful to stay by Elijah and provide for him. What Elijah needed was refreshment. God refreshed Elijah in these ways:

1. God gave him rest and relaxation.
2. God spoke with him gently.
3. God reassured Elijah of his worth.
4. God provided him with a friend.

God did not see Elijah’s time of despair and ignore his needs just because he was not joyful and content. Our God is One who understands our every thought, our every need and cares for those regardless of our emotional state. That promise is as true for us as it was for Elijah and his is a beautiful testimony to observe. Even though he was depressed and at one point did not want to live another day, he still knew that His Father was God over all, especially his life and circumstances.

The reality is that we all, like Elijah, face these unforeseen circumstances that we can not change nor can we control how they make us feel. As women we especially understand that our emotions don’t always make sense and sometimes even play tricks on our minds. That does not mean that we are any less in love with our Savior or any less obedient to His call. It means that we are works in progress and it is acceptable for us to feel down, sad, lonely, even depressed. If we truly find our identity in Christ and find all fulfillment in Him, even in the most difficult times we can find ourselves following God. Even when we don’t think we can face another day, we can rejoice in God’s love and know that He has a plan for everything. The most humbling moments in my life have been when I realize that I am not in control but I am completely satisfied that God is. No matter what happens, we can be sure that God has a purpose and a beautiful lesson to reveal to us.