The Bible says though a man falls seven times he gets back up (Proverbs 24:16). Life often knocks the wind out of us, but we have the strength to rise again.
Elijah, a mighty and faithful man of God, experienced this firsthand. After he performed a miracle and brought fire down from heaven, Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. Rightfully, Elijah feared for his life and became depressed. He was so disillusioned and discouraged that he wished he were dead.
So what can you do when like Elijah your circumstances overwhelm you and you feel like giving up? How can you rise amidst hopelessness?
Draw Near to God ESPECIALLY When you Don’t Feel Like It
After receiving the grim news from Queen Jezebel, Elijah retreated to be alone. Elijah cried out to the Lord and let him into the pain. This is key! In our anger and grief, it is tempting to withdraw from God and try to handle our emotions independently. But this is a costly mistake.
We were not designed to carry the weight of heavy burdens. When we purposely shun the Lord, we deprive Him of the opportunity to bring us deliverance. The Bible says it is impossible to please God unless we believe He is who he says he is and that He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Thus, our faith prompts God’s action. So it is in our best interest to continue seeking the Lord even when we feel hopeless.
Depend on the Lord and He Will Strengthen You
Because Elijah chose to rely upon the Lord, the Bible says that the angels ministered to him (1 Kings 19). They fed him and encouraged him to get rest. Before God attended to Elijah’s deeper spiritual needs, He made sure he was physically taken care of. The Lord provided physical nourishment to strengthen Elijah.
Similarly, God wants to meet you in your place of brokenness and bind your wounds if you choose to depend on him. Sometimes you can’t make it happen alone, so the sooner you realize your neediness, the sooner your needs are met!
Relearn Sensitivity/Awareness of His Spirit
In his depression, Elijah, who had a God-given ability to hear directly from God, had to be retrained to listen to His voice. He rediscovered that God was not always in large displays and signs but in the quiet and mundane. Similarly, God may be trying to get your attention to comfort you. It’s usually in such a simple way it is easy to miss.
The Lord recently reminded me of an instance when he tried to get my attention. Everywhere I went I saw a rainbow. Initially, I didn’t think much about it. I felt so angry with the Lord in my waiting season that I was oblivious to what was before me. In the Bible, rainbows symbolize God’s faithfulness (Genesis 9). While I foolishly shook my fists at God, He was trying to show me He has heard my cry and will be faithful to keep His promise. My experience shows how easy it is to miss God when we aren’t paying attention. Maybe God is trying to show you a rainbow. What might He be speaking to you today? Are you listening?
Remind Yourself of Foundational Truths
God had to reteach Elijah and remind him who He is. Sometimes He has to do the same for us. When we go through something traumatic, it is easy to be overwhelmed by our emotions. We often become disillusioned. As a result, we forget life-giving truths and need constant reminders.
Dive into scripture because the Bible says our faith increases as we read His word (Romans 10:17). Here are some truths you can cling to when life circumstances are too much to bear.
- Jesus loves you. Your circumstances and emotions can’t separate you from His love. (Romans 8:38-39)
- Jesus wants you to let Him carry this burden because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
- Jesus gives you His peace which surpasses all understanding. Receive from Him. (John 14:27, Matthew 11:28-30)
- Jesus is heartbroken with you; He has experienced everything you are going through. (Hebrews 4:15)
- You are not alone. God is with you in the fire. (Daniel 3:25)
- Jesus will heal and deliver you in His timing. (Psalms 34:17)
- Jesus is faithful. He is bound to His word; if He said it He will do it. (Isaiah 55:11)
- The Lord wants what is best for you. His plans for your life are good. (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Life operates in seasons. Your circumstance is temporary. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
- God is always working. Often, He works behind the scenes. (Psalms 121:4)
Prayer:
Dear God, I thank you for the reader and pray you will restore to them the joy of their salvation. I pray they will feel replenished and strengthened as they draw near to you. Please grant them the faith and endurance they need to overcome feelings of hopelessness. In Jesus Name. Amen.
With Love,
