Most of us are visited from time to time by the mind numbing feeling of depression sapping our energy, beating on our self-esteem and garbling our sense of perspective.

    Despite the certain promises of God, we get shaken by the uncertainty of our times. Though we are blessed beyond measure, we become mired in self-pity.

    While we have been given the ultimate freedom and hope, we slog through the deep mud of depression.

    One day, one moment, we become aware of our fatigue and feel a cloud settling over us, pulling us toward the dark world of depression.

    Why? How do we lose our way? And, how do we get back on track and stay there?

Learning from Elijah

    In the story of Elijah, recorded in I Kings 17-19, we see a picture of a powerful servant of God brought low in despondency. It is an intriguing portrayal, in that Elijah bottoms out when it seems he should soar.

    This strong prophet has, by chapter 19, demonstrated the power of the One True God through a very public humiliation of the false prophets, finally washing away their influence by the heavy rain which broke the drought of the land.

    After standing victorious over the enemies of his God, Elijah finds himself threatened with retribution of Jezebel. He flees to the desert, sits under a broom tree and gives up. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Elijah had lost his bearings.

    There is a strong tendency to have a major let-down following a burst of stressful activity. Doesn't it seem we often get sick during our vacations, just after the frenzy of packing and getting things ready to leave? How about the blues that hit after the bustle of the holidays?

    Elijah had been toe-to-toe with 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. As the children of Israel wavered between God and these false gods, Elijah set up a challenge match, intended to drive the Israelites off center by a demonstration of God's almighty presence.

    After all this, he faced threats, not cheers. He met resistance, not faith in God. He may have been worn out. Certainly, he was greatly disheartened.

    Part of the prescription for his recovery seemed to be to rest and eat right (19:5-8). It is important for us, when facing depression, to care for ourselves physically. Of  far greater importance, though, is our need to feed our spirits and to reach out to God's guidance, comfort and strength.

    Another lesson in dealing with despair is seen in vv. 15-16. The Lord directed Elijah to get up and get busy. This call to activity highlights the need to keep at it instead of drifting off alone. God sent Elijah to anoint two kings and another prophet. Too often we keep cycling through the endless loop of self doubt and self-pity, paralyzed by our emotional heaviness.

    Which leads us to a third critical response to depression. Elijah, in his weariness, had lost perspective. He saw himself as the only one fighting the fight. He replayed what he had done and concluded, "I alone am left; and they seek to take my life."

    When we're down and struggling, We've got to stay focused oil the bigger picture. We need to remember that God's purposes will be fulfilled, even if we can't possibly imagine how.

    God reminded Elijah, after putting him back to work, that he had reserved 7,000 others who remained faithful (v. 48). Depression tempts us to narrow our vision, to pull our world in around us.  God's plans bring us back to His eternal reality and Involve us in His higher goals.

    The New Testament reinforces these depression defeating steps as well. Take the time to consider these three passages:

Spend Time with God

    The Philippians' path to the surpassing peace of God and away from anxiety led through prayer, supplication and thanksgiving (4:6-8). Time spent opening our hearts in prayer and meditation is our lifeline today as well.

Keep Busy and Involved

    Paul urges us, through Galatians 6:7-9, not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. When tempted to lie down, we've got to get up and keep doing good.

Stay Focused on Eternity

    In 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, after emphasizing that we may be knocked down, but not out, Paul says we are renewed because we focus on the unseen. Only by looking to the realm of eternity where God dwell, beyond what we call personally experience, do we stay grounded and renewed.

    Depression will keep coming around, knocking on our doors when we are weak and distressed. When we spend time with the Lord, stay busy, and keep our eyes on Our Savior, we won't let it in.