Ancient Paths: Anxiety
Introduction:
Anxiety and depression are common struggles that many people face in their lives. These emotional challenges can often leave individuals feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and desperate for relief. In moments like these, it is important to remember that these feelings are not a sign of spiritual immaturity, but rather a human vulnerability. Today, we will explore the story of Elijah in the Bible and discover how God met him in the midst of his anxiety and depression. We will also discuss the importance of seeking God's presence and finding rest in Him during these difficult seasons.
The Story of Elijah:
The story of God’s people in 1 and 2 Kings is a reoccurring theme where God loves his people and wants relationship with them, the people reject God and find themselves in the consequences of their actions, they cry out for God in their need, God rescues them, they worship God for a period of time before falling back into old habits and rejecting him. During this period of time, they’re rejecting God and King Ahab was the leader of God’s rejection.
1 Kings 16:30-33
“Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. 31 He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to arouse the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than did all the kings of Israel before him.”
Elijah was a prophet of God who experienced incredible highs and lows in his journey of faith. He witnessed God's power in a remarkable showdown with the prophets of Baal, where fire fell from heaven and consumed the altar. However, shortly after this victory, Elijah found himself overwhelmed with fear and dread when he received a threat from Queen Jezebel. He ran for his life, feeling isolated and even desiring death.
1 Kings 18:36-39
36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be knowntoday that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”
38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”
God's Provision and Compassion:
In the midst of Elijah's despair, God did not shame him or dismiss his feelings. Instead, God provided for him physically and spiritually. An angel came to Elijah and gave him food and water, strengthening him for the journey ahead. God met Elijah in his vulnerability and led him to the mountain of Horeb, a place of encounter with God. There, God revealed His presence to Elijah, assuring him that He was with him.
1 Kings 19:5-8
5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 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.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled fortydays and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.
This is the same mountain where God revealed himself to Moses and revealed the 10 commandments. In verse 11 it says:
“The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shatteredthe rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.”
While this scripture isn’t about us, it does show us God’s character and that does apply to us. There are two things that this shows us that we can count on:
You are okay. What you are dealing with is a human vulnerability that God wants to meet you in.
Where to run. When you find yourself in a season of overwhelming anxiety and a hurricane of emotions is happening in our souls, we seek God and fall into him.
Finding Rest in God's Presence:
When we find ourselves in the grip of anxiety and depression, it is crucial to seek God's presence. Just as Elijah went to the mountain to encounter God, we must come to Him with our struggles and pain. In His presence, we can experience His peace and rest. It may not mean an immediate deliverance from our feelings, but it does mean that we are not alone. God is with us, providing comfort, strength, and hope.
Responding to God's Invitation:
To find rest in God's presence, we must respond to His invitation. We can take practical steps such as spending time in prayer, reading His Word, and worshiping Him. These acts of seeking Him create an atmosphere where His presence can be tangibly felt. Additionally, seeking support from a trusted community of believers or seeking professional help can also be beneficial in our journey towards healing and wholeness.
Anxiety and depression are real struggles that many people face, but they do not define us. In the midst of these challenges, we can find rest in God's presence. Just as He met Elijah in his vulnerability, God wants to meet us in ours. He offers compassion, provision, and a place of encounter where we can experience His peace and rest. Let us respond to His invitation and find solace in His loving embrace.