The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
–Psalm 18:2
What are the causes of depression?
If you look at Elijah’s bout with depression in 1 Kings 19, you’ll discover that depression is fueled by:
- Fear. Elijah heard that Jezebel was after him and was afraid. According to Zig Ziglar, FEAR equals False Evidence Appearing Real. The way to avoid fear is to walk in the truth of the Word of God and not according to the false evidence that is all around us.
- Unbelief. Elijah had seen the mighty miracles and works of God, but still allowed feelings of unbelief to creep in. He didn’t trust God to handle the situation.
- Impatience. Elijah ran ahead of God. He was trying to live and die on his own schedule, rather than trusting God to give him life, strength, and health.
- Pride. As Elijah sat under the juniper tree, he cried out, “I’m no better than my fathers!” Where did he get the idea that he was better than his fathers to begin with?
- Self-pity. Elijah was feeling sorry for himself. He looked at his problems and just wanted to give up.
Here’s the formula for depression: insult + anger x self-pity = depression. If you see yourself going down that road, put on the brakes!
Then put your trust in God. When you do, as the psalmist says in our Scripture today, He will be your deliverer, your refuge, your shield, your stronghold, and your salvation.
IF YOU’RE FEELING DEPRESSED, TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR ATTITUDE LATELY. ARE THERE SIGNS OF FEAR, UNBELIEF, IMPATIENCE, PRIDE, OR SELF-PITY?
