We all want to win. In our fast-paced, success-driven culture, it’s natural to expect achievement. Yet, depression and anxiety are at an all-time high in the United States, especially among children and young adults. These struggles can cloud our identity in Christ, causing us to withdraw, isolate from supportive relationships, and dwell on toxic inner narratives.
In Scripture, we see how God worked in the life of Elijah, one of Israel’s greatest prophets, to help him overcome depression and rediscover purpose, meaning, and health.
Withdrawal After Victory
Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 18–19 illustrates how success can be followed by emotional collapse. After calling down fire from Heaven and proving the power of YAHWEH over Baal, Elijah should have been celebrating. Instead, Jezebel threatened his life, and Elijah, overwhelmed and afraid, fled to Beersheba.
Why would he run after such a clear demonstration of God’s power? Perhaps Elijah was simply exhausted. He may have expected Ahab and Jezebel to repent, only to be disheartened when they didn’t. Like Elijah, we can feel defeated when our efforts appear fruitless. His response—retreating from others—mirrors a common reaction to depression.
Isolation and Despair
Elijah didn’t just withdraw—he isolated himself in the wilderness and asked God to take his life: “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (1 Kings 19:4). He had lost hope, felt useless, and saw no path forward.
It’s natural to seek relief from stress and pain, but complete isolation cuts us off from life-giving resources like friendship, community, and faith. Just as Elijah found himself alone without food or water, we too suffer when we shut others out.
The Power of the Narrative
Elijah also fell into another common trap: rehearsing a destructive narrative. He believed he was alone and a failure. The more we repeat these kinds of thoughts, the more they dominate our inner world. This narrative erodes our sense of purpose and deepens despair.
But we were created for connection and purpose. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love others. Just as we need physical nourishment, we need spiritual and emotional sustenance through relationship—with God and people.
Meeting God in the Cave
God didn’t abandon Elijah in the wilderness. He sent an angel to provide food and water, then guided Elijah to Mount Horeb (Sinai)—the mountain of God. There, in a cave, Elijah encountered the gentle, life-giving presence of the Lord.
God spoke, not through dramatic signs like wind, fire, or earthquakes, but in a still, small voice. To hear Him, Elijah had to be quiet, present, and willing to listen. The Lord reminded Elijah that he was not alone and that God’s plan was still unfolding. He gave Elijah a new assignment and a new companion, Elisha, to continue the mission.
Changing the Narrative
Elijah’s story teaches us that a short season of withdrawal can be healing—if it is spent in God’s presence or with life-giving people. God didn’t scold Elijah, but lovingly spoke truth and purpose to him, nourishing his soul. Similarly, we are called to meditate on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8–9).
God replaces our false narratives with truth, our isolation with connection, and our hopelessness with purpose. After renewing Elijah, He sent him back into service. Purposeful action—especially service to others—is vital for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Walking in Victory
To WIN the battle over depression, we must withdraw and step into God’s presence, isolate ourselves from the noise of the world and listen for His voice, and feed our minds with a narrative based on His truth. As we ruminate on the hope found in Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the future that awaits us, we are strengthened to walk in victory.
Through God’s Word and His Spirit, our broken narratives are rewritten. Like Elijah, we rise again—not in our strength, but in His—to fulfill our calling and glorify Him.
