the first thing to do…

what is GOD's remedy for elijah's depression? it's the same remedy for your depression.

first of all take care of your physical needs. 1 kings 19.5-7 (niv), then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. all at once an angel touched him and said, “get up and eat.” he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals and, a jar of water. he ate and drank and then lay down again. the angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “get up and eat for the journey is too much for you.” so he got up and he ate and drank. strengthened by that food.

GOD's remedy for elijah's depression was rest and food and relaxation. sometimes a good night's sleep does wonders for your attitude. when you're physically tired, fatigued, mentally drained, physically exhausted you're prone to depression.

the thing i like about this is GOD dealt so tenderly with elijah. this guy had just copped out. yet GOD did not come to him scolding him, “you coward! what are you doing over here on the desert.” he didn't put him down. he didn't criticize him. he didn't condemn him. what he did was give him some food and some rest. he got him restored physically. that was the starting point.

maybe if you're depressed, the starting point for you is to get your life in shape physically. maybe you just need to watch your diet. maybe you need to get more sleep. the physical thing is the first thing GOD takes care of.

just a thought from the front porch…