Abiding Under a Juniper Tree

After the death of actor Robin Williams it seemed like “depression” was all of a sudden on everyone’s radar.  Some people looked at this as a new thing.  “I mean how could someone with some much joy in public have depression?”  Being raised in church pretty much my whole life “depression” seemed like a fictitious dirty word.  As a matter of fact, one of the books I was looking at today had illustrations on depression.  Each one of them was pointing out that all a person needs to do is focus on Christ and His goodness.  I agreed and disagreed with the statements in that book.  True, one can think on the things of God and began to be joyful.  In fact, Paul said in in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  The Bible says we are to “let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 2:5)

            I 100% agree with the fact that our minds must be focused on Christ.  However, I want to share something with you that I believe gives proof that Christians can have a degree of depression as well.  I want to look at a passage of scripture in the book of 1 Kings and chapter 19.  Many of us know the story of 1 Kings 18.  Elijah had just defeated the prophets of Baal.  It was 450 men of Baal versus 1 Man of God.  This was a great victory for the Lord.  After reading that chapter you might think, “WOW!  Nothing in the world could slow Elijah down from serving the Lord!” Don’t take this the wrong way, but I am soooooooooo thankful for chapter 19!

            After Elijah brought a great victory for the Lord, it was then he faced another obstacle.  It’s been said that after you have a great victory for Christ one should be on guard because the Devil will fight you harder. Personally, some of my greatest trials have come after preaching the Word of God and people were saved. Looking at this passage of scripture I can see a few things that the Lord has shown me.

1.)    Elijah felt alone – So often when someone is depressed they feel like they are the only ones doing anything for the Lord.  Elijah was no different than you or I.  He even said in verses 10 & 14, “And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” What is so wrong about this comment is that there was another prophet of the Lord named Obadiah who was hiding other prophets from Jezebel. Often it can be easy to not pay attention to what others are doing for the Christ.

2.)   Elijah needed to hear from the Lord – No matter how “alone” one may feel, God is always with them!  Elijah was ministered to by an angel of the Lord and later was given instruction by God.  While Elijah was under the juniper tree praying for death, God sent His angel to build up his strength to labor for Christ yet again. We quote the scriptures time and time again that I fear we lose trust in them.  Yet the bible says, He (meaning Christ!) will never leave us nor forsake us!

3.)   There is more people that need reached and trained for the Cause of Christ – Even though Elijah was feeling depressed in his life, God was still not through with him because there was a young man named Elisha that needed to be reached.  After Elijah had his “pity party” God told him to go and find Elisha and anoint him.  After this happened Elisha was inseparable from Elijah until the Lord took Elijah home to be with God. The work for the Lord is not over until He calls us home!  We must never forget that. There are Elisha in our lives that need to be reached!

   You may be wondering why did you write all of this.  Well it’s simple….I struggle with depression and I needed a reminder of these great truths from the Word of God. There are many days where I feel alone in God's work, yet I know there are so many of my friends that work circles around me in the ministry.  I love them all and respect them greatly.  There are some days that I just need to sit back and hear from God.  The most important reason is because I know there is a younger generation coming up behind me that needs to see the importance of growing in Christ and sharing His Gospel.  That, my friends, is why we must never allow our “feelings” to hinder the work of the Lord.  It’s much bigger than us.  We get to be used by a Great and Almighty God who loves us and WANTS to do great things in our lives.  

   There is so much more on this I can write, but for the sake of a “post” I will end it with this:  Depression is a real thing and just because someone is smiling on the outside doesn’t mean they are not hurting, crying, and yearning for help on the inside.  I pray this post helps someone, and if you have read this far down…I ask that you say a pray for me.  Today has been somewhat of a “rough” day, and I know there will be others but I know HE is with me and HE loves me regardless of who I am!