Thank you for reading the sermon this week. This is the Independence Day weekend here in the US, so I hope that everyone has a nice holiday weekend. Stay safe if you are using fireworks.
Over the last several weeks, we've been studying what we can learn from the life and ministry of the prophet Elijah. He was a great man of God who the Lord used to convict the people in regard to their idolatry. If you remember last week, we looked at the confrontation that Elijah had with the priests of Baal. Baal did not answer with fire although his priests called on him all day. The True and Living God sent fire and consumed the offering immediately when Elijah called upon the name of the Lord.
After this incident with the priests of Baal, the Lord sent rain to Israel after a three year period. Ahab and Jezebel were furious with Elijah. Jezebel vowed that she would make sure that Elijah was killed. Even though Elijah had just seen the Lord answer with fire, and he had witnessed the mighty power of God in first withholding and then sending the rain, Elijah was in fear for his life. He ran into the wilderness to escape the wrath of Jezebel. While he was in the wilderness, he called on the Lord asking the Lord to take his life. Elijah was depressed about the whole situation.
While Elijah was at this low point in his life and ministry, an angel came to him and told him to get up and eat. He was to travel to Mt Horeb about a forty day journey from where he was. It was at this place that the Elijah had an encounter with the Lord. We will look at that more next week.
What can we learn from Elijah in today's passage from I Kings 19. First of all, I want to point out that the spiritual life has its highs and its lows. Elijah had the great mountain top experience, and then he fell into a depression and wanted to die. In our lives, we are going to have spiritual high points. For instance, we might accomplish something really great in ministry. We might have prayed and studied the Bible on a consistent basis for a long time. We are feeling really good about our walk with the Lord. Then, something bad might happen. We stop praying. We don't feel close to the Lord. We are down spiritually.
This type of thing happens to even those who are the closest to the Lord. It happened to Elijah. It has happened to others who have called it the dark night of the soul. I know that in my ministry, I have had some real highs. For instance, I've had some sermons I've posted here on the blog that have had many people read them. I've also had the low of having many people stop reading the blog because they didn't like what I had to say about some things. When that happens, it is not hard to feel like you aren't accomplishing anything, and you get down.
I also want to point out that even a great man like Elijah got depressed. It can happen to you, and it has happened to me. Just because you are a Christian it doesn't mean that bad things that get you down don't happen.
So, what can we learn? We must recognize that there are spiritual ups and downs, and we need to persevere even in the down times. Don't stop praying and studying the Word. Keep doing what God has told you to do. It may seem dark, but if you keep going, good things will come as a result of your faithfulness.
If you experience depression, seek help from the Lord and seek help from others. Seek professional help if you need it. Don't feel stigmatized by depression.
In times of dark times spiritually and in times of depression, I believe that the Lord is near to us. He sent and angel to help Elijah. Jesus said that He is always with us and that He will never forsake us. We can believe in Him because Jesus is that same yesterday, today and forever.
If you are feeling down spiritually or mentally, I urge you to meditate on the presence of Jesus. Read the words of Jesus over and over again. Sing spiritual songs and let them get down into the core of your soul. Talk to others who have been where you are so that they can help you.
The Lord is with us at all times. He will help us, and He will show us that He is with us every step of the way. Amen.
Prayer Requests
I finally got on full time at my job. I thank the Lord for this answer to prayer.
Keep praying for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pray for peace in Ukraine. Syria, Yemen, Libya and Ethiopia still need our prayers.
Let us pray that aid will reach those harmed by the earthquake in Afghanistan.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations Cambodia and Kosovo. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will continue with our series. On Monday, I will post the verses. I hope to post something midweek. May God bless you all.
No comments:
Post a Comment