Daily Devotional

“[Elijah] … went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!’ ” (1 Kings 19:4). 

Suicide claims more lives than murder, natural disasters, and war combined. It is the fourth leading causing of death for adults be- tween the ages of fifteen and sixty-four in the United States. On average, a person dies by suicide about every twelve minutes. In 2014, there were 42,773 reported suicide deaths. 

Research shows that 90 percent of all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of death. Half of all who take their own lives suffer from major depression. More Americans suffer from depression than coronary heart disease, cancer, or HIV/AIDS. Yet depression is one of the most treatable psychiatric illnesses. Between 80 and 90 percent of those who struggle with depression respond positively to treatment. 

Elijah was certainly depressed. After his mountaintop experience on Carmel against the prophets of Baal, the energetic prophet helped slay the false prophets, then ran ahead of King Ahab’s chariot through the blinding rain for about 17 miles, and then caught a catnap before he was awakened and told that Jezebel wanted his skin. Elijah literally ran for his life. The distance he covered, from Jezreel to Beersheba, was about 95 miles! 

The physically and emotionally depleted man of God finally collapsed under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. It’s not a surprising response from someone who felt all alone and had neglected nourishment of his body. While some people would like to tell those who are disheartened, “Just get over it,” God dealt gently with His discouraged servant. What Elijah first needed was food and rest. 

When we are struggling with depression, we should consider Elijah’s experience. We forget that when he wished to die, his words were a prayer to God. The powerful prophet spoke honestly to the Lord, and God lovingly responded with just the right treatment. He will do the same for you. 

Father, when my heart is heavy with discouragement, I will choose to honestly turn to You for help.