Depression is no stranger to our world—or to God’s people.
In the past two years alone, teen girls’ self-harming has increased by 180%. Nearly 30% of Americans take antidepressants. And suicide rates have risen by 53%.
Behind every statistic is a story—a person searching for peace.
But here’s the good news of the gospel:
The gospel allows us to say, “I’m not okay.”
But it doesn’t leave us there—it brings healing and wholeness.
The Gospel and the Reality of Depression
Depression is complex. Some forms are chemical and require medical help—and that’s okay. Others are circumstantial, physical, or spiritual. The Bible doesn’t shy away from this reality. You and I were created as body and soul, what theologians call psychosomatic unity.
That means what affects your body affects your soul—and vice versa.
And here’s the hope: God meets you in both.
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah—God’s mighty prophet—has just witnessed a miraculous event on a mountaintop. Fire fell from heaven. The prophets of Baal were defeated. Israel turned back to God.
You’d think Elijah would be unshakable. But then Queen Jezebel threatens his life, and the mighty prophet runs. He hides. He despairs. He even prays to die.
Sound familiar?
One moment, he’s strong in faith—the next, he’s depleted and afraid.
It’s a picture of how quickly the spiral of depression can begin.
The Downward Spiral
Elijah’s story reveals four key danger zones we face in our own battles with despair:
1. When You’re Depleted
Elijah was exhausted—spiritually and physically.
He’d run for miles. He was burned out.
Sometimes, what we most need is a nap, a walk, a meal. God met Elijah with rest and food—grace for a weary body.
Your physical health and spiritual health are linked. You can’t neglect one and expect the other to thrive.
2. When You’re Disappointed
Elijah expected revival in Israel. Instead, Jezebel doubled down on her rebellion. He felt like all his effort was wasted.
Disappointment with God can quietly lead to despair.
“Discouragement often reveals our idols.” —Crawford Loritts
When God doesn’t do what we expect, we’re tempted to turn to things that promise comfort—our own modern Baals: screens, pills, substances, relationships, or busyness.
But idols always overpromise and underdeliver.
3. When You Disengage
Elijah isolated himself. He left his servant behind and went alone into the wilderness.
Isolation always makes things worse.
“Isolation kills, but community conquers.”
This is why God designed the church—so that when one of us withdraws, the others reach out. Depression thrives in silence, but begins to lose power when we open up to community.
4. When Hope Feels Lost
At his lowest point, Elijah saw no future. He’d lost his sense of purpose and peace.
That’s when God met him in a whisper.
If you’re there—feeling like there’s no way out—hear this:
You are loved. You are valuable. You were created on purpose, for a purpose. The gospel says it’s okay not to be okay—but it refuses to leave you there.
How to Regain Peace
Elijah didn’t stay in the cave. And neither do you have to.
God gave him a simple but powerful path back to peace:
1. Talk to the Lord
God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here?” Not because He didn’t know—but because He wanted Elijah to reflect.
God invites your honesty. You don’t have to clean up your prayers. Just talk to Him. Faith doesn’t deny reality—it defies it. It says, “Yes, life is hard, but God keeps His promises.”
2. Engage in Biblical Community
God reminded Elijah that he wasn’t alone—there were 7,000 others standing firm.
We need that reminder, too. We were never meant to walk through life—or faith—alone.
Join a small group. Go to church. Reach out to someone. The body of Christ is one of God’s greatest gifts for emotional and spiritual healing.
3. Preach the Gospel to Yourself
Elijah believed lies: “I’m the only one left. My ministry is over.”
God countered those lies with truth.
When you stop speaking truth to yourself, the enemy’s voice grows louder.
Martin Luther said,
“Preach the gospel to yourself every day, because you forget it every day.”
Remind yourself:
“If God is for me, who can be against me?” (Romans 8:31)
“I am crucified with Christ… and Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
The cross and resurrection prove that God’s love and victory are yours.
Peace Is Your Birthright in Christ
When you’re at rock bottom, you are perfectly positioned for Jesus to work.
He says,
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Cast your cares on Him—because He cares for you.
Let’s stop isolating, stop running, and come back to the One who gives peace that passes understanding.
It’s okay not to be okay.
But in Christ, it’s impossible to stay that way.
Pastor Chris Williams
To learn more about Pastor Chris and his teachings, visit us online at fcfamily.org and be sure to subscribe to receive these weekly encouragements in your inbox.
