ManageYourEmotionsBook8.5x5.5_RevJULY.indd

requires medical treatment. Not being a physician, I can’t speak on this issue from that standpoint.As a pastor and believer with a background in theology, I can approach depression from a biblical/ spiritual perspective. That being said, let’s examine an incident from the life of Elijah, taken from 1 Kings 19:9-18, one previously mentioned in chapter 3.This OldTestament prophet served during the ninth century B.C., in Israel’s northern kingdom, within the reigns of Ahab and his son,Ahaziah. At first, times were good for this servant who is best known for escaping conventional death by a flaming chariot ride into heaven. God also provided him with food during a severe drought. Later, spiritual awakening came to a people entangled in idol worship; miracles abounded! And yet, in the wake of a mighty victory on Mount Carmel in which fire from the Lord fell, Elijah fled to the desert, sat under a tree and pled to die. Why such a drastic reversal? Physically, spiritually and emotionally drained, he succumbed to depression’s spell. If you’ve found yourself facing such a situation, strive to avoid the traps that ensnare those in such a state. FearTrap – I won’t spend a lot of time here, since a chapter has already been devoted to the subject.Yet it must be addressed given the close connection between fear and depression. In Elijah’s case, faith quickly gave way to fear once he discovered that Queen Jezebel wanted him dead. Although I have never reached Elijah’s point of asking God to take my life (see 1 Kings 19:10), I can certainly relate to his situation.At times, I feel as though I’m engulfed by a huge dark cloud of fear, wondering if my messages are being heard, pews will be filled, and budgets met.While that may not sound spiritual, I can promise you that most ministers struggle with the same issues, which often lead to depression.

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