Daily Devotional: Elijah's Struggle: A Reflection on Mental Health and Faith

Hey wonderful friends! Welcome back! Today, we're delving into our daily devotional, offering a brief uplifting message to brighten your day.   If you have the time, read 1 Kings 19 in your favourite Bible translation, then return to this page.

If time is short, here’s a summary:

Elijah, a prophet in the Hebrew Bible, finds himself gripped by fear and despair, fleeing for his life and eventually collapsing under a broom bush, longing for death. His struggle resonates deeply with many in the LGBTQ+ community, who statistically face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. However, these challenges aren't due to inherent flaws but rather the harsh realities of the world.

Elijah's experience mirrors moments when depression or despair overwhelms us. Like Elijah, we may feel isolated and abandoned, questioning our worth and place. Yet, in his story, we find a message of hope—not in grand gestures but in simple, practical steps. When Elijah is at his lowest, a messenger advises him to take care of himself: to eat, to rest.

Similarly, when we face mental health crises—whether depression, anxiety, or other challenges—recovery often starts with basic actions: taking care of our bodies, seeking professional help, and finding solace in quiet moments. The causes for mental illness and mental health struggles are varied, and so are the appropriate treatments. More often than not, they begin with simple actions:

Take a shower

Eat some soup.

Take your medicine.

Get some sunlight.

Talk to your therapist.

When experiencing depressive bouts, bursts of mania, near-crippling anxiety, dysphoria, PTSD flashbacks, or psychotic breaks, it’s easy to feel disconnected, abandoned by God, or undervalued. Elijah's story reminds us that these feelings are not unique to us; they are part of the human experience.

The messenger who aids Elijah offers practical advice: "Get up. Go eat something." Similarly, our paths to healing often start with straightforward actions, not grand gestures. Recovery isn’t about achieving perfection for God, our communities, or anyone else—it's about embracing our humanity and taking small steps toward wellness.

So, if you've ever found yourself in that dark place, Elijah’s journey offers reassurance. Even in our lowest moments, there’s hope. It's okay to rest when needed, but eventually, it's time to rise, nourish yourself, and continue forward, one step at a time.

That concludes today's reflection! I hope this message has brought positivity to your day. If you resonated with it, please consider showing your support by liking this post and subscribing for future inspiration. Thank you for joining me today, and remember to embrace your unique self! Take care and maintain a positive mindset until we meet again!

Footnotes:

Source: Kearns, S., & Murphy, B. (2020). "Queers the Word" - (Adapted for reflection of Elijah Flees from Jezebel). Scripture: 1 Kings 19
Image Title: "Ethereal Respite" Source: Midjourney’s image generation model.

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