Depression is without a doubt one of today's most prevalent issues. Depression has been dubbed the "common cold" of mental ailments due to its prevalence. "Depression is a downward cycle beginning by loss of control and made worse by lack of energy and negative thoughts," Everett Worthington writes. Depression is defined by the dictionary as "a sense of overwhelming despair." This feeling appears as the reaction: All is lost, I want to stop, I can't make it.
Unfortunately, even great spiritual leaders, even Christians, may suffer from depression. "Why are you downcast, O my soul?" wrote the psalmist David. "What's the matter with me?" (See Psalm 42:5) "I cannot carry all these people by myself; the weight is too big for me," Moses said. If this is how you want to treat me, execute me immediately." Numbers 11:14–15 Elijah, the renowned prophet, struggled with sadness only one day after his great victory on Mount Carmel when he faced the prophets of Baal and witnessed God answer his plea in a spectacular manner.
When we look at these biblical heroes, we see that despair has no bounds. Everyone experiences depression from time to time. Thus, the issue arises, what is God's prescription for depression? Let us examine the treatment that God supplied for Elijah since it is one that we may all apply.
Step 1:
Recognize that depression is a symptom, not a fault. Although our reactions to depression are sinful, the feeling itself is not. Depression may be caused by sin, but not all depression is caused by sin. Depression is like a warning light on a car. The best technique to switch off the warning light is to first identify the issue. Something deep inside is generally awry when depression creeps in.
Step 2:
Rejuvenate your physical body. "Then he (Elijah) laid down and fell asleep beneath the tree." Suddenly, an angel touched him and whispered, 'Get up and eat.' (See I Kings 19:5) Rest, nourishment, and relaxation are all part of God's medicine. We must never lose sight of the function that our bodies play in our emotions. Some individuals regularly disregard their physical health. You should obtain enough sleep, consume a healthy diet, and exercise frequently.
Step 3:
Give your dissatisfaction to God. "What are you doing here, Elijah?" the Lord inquired. 'I have been exceedingly ardent about the Lord God Almighty,' Elijah said. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, destroyed your altars, and slain your prophets with a sword. "I am the last one left, and they are now attempting to murder me as well." I Kings 19:9–10 Elijah vented to God and expressed his true thoughts. God let Elijah unleash his rage without judging or blaming him. We should never cease interacting with God, no matter how horrible our circumstances seem. Share your feelings. You don't have to be eloquent or innovative; just express your feelings to God. Relinquishing your irritation cleanses you of all that has been shoved down inside of you and caused these bad feelings.
Step 4:
Renew your sense of God's presence. "'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord,' said the Lord." 1 Kings 19:11 Nothing refreshes you like entering God's presence and recognizing that he loves and cares for you regardless of how you feel. God never promised that this life would be easy, but he did promise to be with us through it all. Spend time alone with your Bible and God if you are sad. Allow God to speak to you and love you while you read. Communication and relationship with God are the most powerful antidepressants.
Step 5:
Reroute your life. God gave Elijah a new mission. "Return the way you came, and proceed to the Damascus Desert." When you arrive, appoint Hazael as King of Aram" (I Kings 19:15). The quickest method to overcome depression is to stop wallowing in self-pity. Take your gaze away from yourself and begin to consider the needs of others. Find less fortunate individuals and dedicate your life in them. God will provide to you when you offer yourself to others. "Whoever loses his life for me will find it," Jesus stated (Matthew 16:25).
Step 6:
Rekindle a friendship. "From there, Elijah went and sought Elisha son of Shaphat" (I Kings 19:19). True friends are essential for depressed individuals. Don't fight depression by yourself. Find a buddy who will provide you encouragement and support; someone who will help you see things as they are, not as you see them. "The essential job of friendship is to maintain and make tolerable each other's hardships," Eugene Kennedy remarked. Christ can help you get out of a funk. He can assist you. He is capable of curing you. You don't have to go through life feeling down!
We recommend you to read unjoy, to get a better solution for your depression.
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