“Recovering from spiritual depression (Pt. 2)”
Sermon series: Recovering from spiritual depression (Pt. 2)
Scripture: 1 Kings 19:9-18 (ESV)
Introduction:
Last week we saw how God provided rest and nourishment for Elijah when he was going through spiritual depression. In the article “7 Things to never say to a depressed Christian” by C. Michael Patton, Patton lists several statements of “advice” that when spoken to depressed people, can inadvertently cause more harm than help. We may not always recognize the complications of spiritual depression, but in today’s story we can see how God lovingly restored Elijah.
Overview:
How did God restore Elijah?
God called Elijah out from the self-made cave.
“There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:9.
Sometimes we are physically present at church, but spiritually, mentally, emotionally disconnected from God and others. We may be singing worship songs with the congregation, but the words we sing ring hollow. We participate in biblical discussions in small groups, but yet block out the truth in the encouragement or reminders we hear. We know what the Gospel is in our minds, but our heart doesn’t believe in Jesus.
During periods of spiritual depression, we can voluntarily position ourselves in a deep cave, choosing to isolate ourselves from the world. We may end up there to avoid the consequences of our sins, hurts and betrayals from others, or our failures in this world.
God instructed Elijah to go to Mount Horeb where the presence of God is, yet Elijah instead went into a cave. God asked Elijah what he was doing in the cave to help Elijah recognize his fallen state.
Elijah answers by exaggerating how everyone has left God and how he’s the sole righteous believer (1 Kings 19:10). Elijah’s spiritual depression has accentuated his self-righteousness (“I have been very jealous for the Lord”) and self pity (“and I, even I only, am left”).
However, God reassures Elijah how He would provide new leadership and how 7,000 followers of the One True God will remain (1 Kings 19:15-18). God tells Elijah to come out of the cave and stand before the Lord (1 Kings 19:11).
The enemy can entice us to stay in our caves until everything outside is safe and we feel better. But God doesn’t tell us to come to Him after we feel better or qualified, but He wants us to come to him because we are broken.
God speaks to Elijah through the sound of a low whisper.
“And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.” 1 Kings 19:12.
God could have come to Elijah through grand spectacles and actions, but He came through a still, small voice. God comes to us everyday through His quiet whisper and Word.
Restoration comes not through magnificent events but through daily time with the Lord.
God empowered Elijah with new assignments.
“And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, and the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:15-18.
God gives Elijah a new assignment to anoint the next leaders of Israel. God is in control of the nations, the future of Israel, and Elijah’s legacy. God had reminded Elijah of God’s sovereignty over all creation.
Application:
We all experience spiritual depression. You are not alone in this struggle. Your suffering is very real. But God doesn’t call you to stay in your cave but He invites you to come to Him and experience His love and restoration. God will restore you through reminding you of the Gospel’s truth, experiencing His loving community, and participating in His mission calling over your life.
Sermon reflection questions:
Do you remember a time when your spiritual depression led you to isolating yourself in a self-made cave? Looking back, what lies led you to isolation and how did God come to your rescue?
God asks us to come to Him daily and be nourished by His Word. How is your daily walk with God? Have you seen any differences in your life when coming to Him daily?
Do you know anyone going through spiritual depression? Is it you? Take some time to pray for this person, that this friend may encounter God’s restoration. Pray that you or this friend may find sanctuary in God and be reminded of God’s provisions and victories in your life just as God provided for Elijah during the drought and battle against the Prophets of Baal.
