where in the bible did elijah fast


Motivated by his hurt pride, his anger and resentment against Elijah blinded him to the work of God and the revelation of the event.

Why send a messenger to warn him so he would have time to flee? Just like the rest of us, he experienced the problem of depression--that mental and emotional condition marked by feelings of discouragement, worthlessness, dejection, guilt, apprehension, and failure. Just like the rest of us, he experienced the problem of depression--that mental and emotional condition marked by feelings of discouragement, worthlessness, dejection, guilt, apprehension, and failure. But surely, if Ahab had paid the respect to Elijah that he deserved, he would have taken him into his chariot, as the eunuch did Philip, that he might honour him before the elders of Israel, and confer with him further about the reformation of the kingdom: but his pride and ambition, and other corrupt dispositions, got the better of his conviction; and he was glad to get quit of him, as Felix of Paul, when he dismissed him, and adjourned his conference with him to a more convenient season. He said it while he was chained daily to a Roman soldier awaiting trial, which could have meant his head. WebThe hand of the Lord was on Elijah God gave him more than natural strength, whereby he was enabled to outrun Ahabs chariot for so many miles together. The results are in His hands, not ours. Yahwehs hand was on Elijah; and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. Elijah went up in the chariot in a whirlwind, and Elisha yelled, My father! The text says, and he was afraid. There is a slight problem here. Money definitely does not buy happiness. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. And he shows up at the end of the Old Testament in Malachi 4:5-6 (prophecy about John the Baptist as the forerunner of the Messiah). Later in the chapter, God illustrates that to the Prophet. He does not hold us responsible for the results. It tended to strengthen the favorable impression made on the heart of Ahab and furnished an answer to the cavils of Jezebel for it showed that he who was so zealous in the service of God, was, at the same time, devotedly loyal to his king. Yes, we typically think of Elijah as an old man, but that may or may not have been the case. Name of Fast: Church Elders and Apostles Fast in the Church at Antioch (Types of Fasting)

In each Things happened fast. This study guide has been prepared to help you grow in the discipline of fasting.

They say: As psychiatrists we see more people suffering from depression than from all other emotional problems put together . done all these things at your command. (4) Whenever we walk by sight, we forfeit a great deal of Gods blessing and provision. . Also note she was still trusting in her gods that had been thoroughly exposed as impotent and futile. Thirdly, Daniel only ate vegetables and drank water for 21 days while fasting and praying to God for direction (Daniel 10:2-3). And the hand of the Lord was upon Elias, and he girded up his loins and ran before Achab, till he came to Jezrahel. Elijah's father was Savah, but it is not known who his mother was. 19:7-9; 93:5; Rom. 3:18-4:2). Elijahs action is totally out of character, but it serves to remind us again of everyones vulnerability--that we must each take heed lest we fall. But in chapter 19, we find Elijah fearful, running scared, exhausted, depressed, and wanting to die. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. By the same token, never use activity to narcotize the pain. She attacked the instrument and gave vent to her hatred and malice. All rights reserved. A contemporary of the Israelite kings Ahab and Ahaziah (874-852 b.c.

Matthew Poole's Commentary The hand of the Lord was on Elijah: God gave him more than natural and ordinary strength, whereby he was enabled to outrun Ahabs chariot, and that for so many miles together. Calling down fire on soldiers (2 Kings 1). Despite the many powerful moments in Elijahs life, he also had times of doubt and struggle, making him one of the more complex Old Testament figures. King Ahab tells the notorious Jezebel what Elijah had done. Elijah and Elisha traveled to Gilgal, then to Bethel, Jericho, and finally to the Jordon River. Unable to hurt the Lord, Jezebel did what Satan and people always do. in the strength of that food. Instead, Paul might have sung, O what a beautiful morning, O what a beautiful day, though things arent going my way, the Lord sits on the throne every day.. Elijah repeated the message that he had given through the intermediary, and Ahaziah died shortly afterward as punishment for not trusting God.

It may also be caused by such things as drugs, low blood sugar, glandular disorders, allergies, brain tumors, and chemical imbalances. (c) Finally, he saw himself as an absolute failure, as worthless, as no better than his fathers who had allowed the nation to fall into this condition. Sometime later, the widow's son became ill and passed away. Some of our ways of coping may be legitimate, but if they do not ultimately lead us to find and know Gods sufficiency, they become a part of the problem rather than the solution. International Standard Version So Elijah got up, ate and drank, and survived on that one meal for 40 days and nights as he set out on his journey to Horeb, God's mountain. Sometime after Ahaziahs death, Elijah passed his title on to Elishain a particularly dramatic way.

He failed to realize that God was at work regardless of how things appeared to him. Well, our lives and ministry are often like the bamboo tree. 16(M)And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and (N)Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 13:1-2; Rom. (1) It is universal. NO!

Elijah of Tishbe was a lone figure from the remote part of Gilead east of the Jordan. The Bible doesnt explicitly give any reason why Elijah was taken directly into heaven, any more than it gives for whyEnoch was taken up to heaven. (q) He was so strengthened by God's spirit that he ran faster than the chariot was able to run. In Elijahs exhausted state, he prayed, It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life. Instead, the Lord lovingly and graciously sent an angel to feed and nourish him. This study guide has been prepared to help you grow in the discipline of fasting. Sinai to receive The Ten Commandments. What about our expectations? Life is much like a roller coaster--full of ups and downs. Elisha asked to inherit a double portion of Elijahs spirit, which Elijah said was difficult but, if you see when I am taken from you, it will be yours (2 Kings 2:10). In various communities, God has already begun to answer that prayer.

In this chapter, Elijah becomes a classic illustration of a depressed person. He rested on the outskirts of the town, waiting to learn what Jezebel would say or do, knowing that it was she, and not Ahab, who really governed the country. Indeed, He sought him out and ministered to him. The lateDavid Sanfords book and Bible projects were published by Zondervan, Tyndale, Thomas Nelson, Doubleday, Barbour, and Amazon. He thus showed himself ready to countenance and uphold the irresolute monarch, if he would turn from his evil courses, and proceed to carry out the religious reformation which the events of the day had inaugurated.The entrance of Jezreel - Modern "Zerin." 11:1. God did not forsake Elijah.

The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. Depression is a devastating, debilitating malady that affects our total person--spirit, soul, and body. If we are in the way of an 18-wheeler, we move if at all possible. 4:17-21). This is seen as we examine 19:4, 10, and 14. (5) Finally, it is helpful to remember we cannot truly remain occupied with the Lord and our problems at the same time. In such a state, what do we do? And he girded up his loins That his garments, which were long and loose, like those in use in that country, might not hinder him. All of this stinking thinking blinded him to the Lord and the principles of Scripture. The name Elijah comes from the Old Testament of the Bible, and stems from a Hebrew expression signifying Jehovah is my God. The biblical Elijah was a prophet known for upholding the worship of God and doing miracles in Gods name. The Bible story of Elijah is found in the Old Testament, in the first book of Kings chapters 17 and 18. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden - Bible Story, The Ten Commandments - Bible Verses and Importance Today, Parable of the Prodigal Son - Bible Story, The Resurrection of Jesus - Bible Story and Prophecy, Scripture Tells Us Our Lives Are Precious Every One of Us, 5 Verses that Encourage Us to Have Peace in This Difficult World.

Others may have fasted for years.

After these dramatic events, Elijah took on a disciple,Elisha. The hand of the Lord was on Elijah God gave him more than natural strength, whereby he was enabled to outrun Ahabs chariot for so many miles together. Only a weak faith seeks to ignore the problems (cf. International Standard Version So Elijah got up, ate and drank, and survived on that one meal for 40 days and nights as he set out on his journey to Horeb, God's mountain. but the hand of Yahweh was on Elijah; he girded up his loins and ran before Ahab as one comes to Jezreel. Why We Must Prioritize Both Prayer and Scripture Reading.

12:3f).

in the strength of that food. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated.

Instead, the Lord renews Elijah with a double portion of food, drink, rest. 17:14). In his desperation, he foolishly begs the Lord to take his life. They say his flight down to Beersheba and beyond was not a flight for his life, but a trip to get alone with God since he saw conditions were not going to change. WebThings happened fast. And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. Some principles we can glean from this negative focus and response of the prophet: (1) We should never walk by sight--as things appear to us. Eliyah and Eliana are sometimes used as feminine variations. Queen Jezebels threat had exposed Elijahs lack of control over his own life.
Then suddenly, sometime during the fifth year, it shoots up ninety feet in sixty days. elijah bible stories big We cant change people, and we often cant change our circumstances, only God can. Ran before Ahab; partly, to show how ready he was to honour and serve the king, if he did not exalt himself above or against God; partly, that by this humble and selfdenying carriage it might appear that what he had done was not from envy, or ambition, or human passion, but only from a just zeal for Gods glory; partly, that by his presence with the king, and his courtiers who attended upon him, he might animate and oblige them to proceed in the well-begun reformation of religion; and partly, to demonstrate that he was neither ashamed of, nor afraid for, what he had done, though he knew how Jezebel would resent it, but durst venture himself in the midst of his enemies, as being confident of the Divine power and protection.

In other words, he was seeking his significance, his value on his life, from his success in terms of outward results. Lets not forget how God had earlier directed Elijah to a lonely place (1 Kings 17:2-5), but not here. To make things more interesting, Elijah covered his altar with water after he built it.

Amazing Facts - Doug Batchelor, Vision of Elijah When Elijah comes to the town of Zarephath, he sees the widow and asks her to get him some water and bread. And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab till he came to Jezreel. 4:8-18; Heb. and nothing seems to happen.

Some have suggested the Massoretes repointed the vowels because they did not want to attribute fear to the great prophet. Most of Elijahs story is told in 1 Kings 17-19 and 2 Kings 1-2. WebTo get direction from God, Elijah spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness fasting (1 Kings 19:8). When Naboth didnt take Ahabs offer, Jezebel had him killed and Ahab took over the vineyard. People didnt care. The strength of the Eternal filled Elijah. It is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the First and Second Books of Kings. After several days on the run, Elijah collapses exhausted, lonely, frightened, and feeling utterly defeated. Elijah's story begins by introducing the state of affairs for the people of Israel.

If saw is the correct translation it still does not remove the element of his fear that led to his flight out of the area. Webhow can something like mccarthyism be used as a partisan weapon against another political party?

Does Ecclesiastes 5:2 Mean We Cant Be Honest in Our Prayers? 13:24), and according to His timing (Eccl.

In the section before us we see the cause of the change in Elijah. Thus, the KJV and the ASV have, and he saw. The difference in the translation is in the vowel pointing. After that, Elijah apparently got a message that God was going to take him away, which other prophets also knew. Bianca Jurez Olthoff, The Return of Elijah

The sky grew black with wind-driven clouds, and then a huge cloudburst of rain, with Ahab hightailing it in his chariot for Jezreel. He was also not alone from the human standpoint. Being fallible human beings, we will all struggle.

Just like the rest of us, he experienced the problem of depression--that mental and emotional condition marked by feelings of discouragement, worthlessness, dejection, guilt, apprehension, and failure. In the end analysis, it may be best to admit we arent sure why Elijah received this honor, but that it shows us something encouraging.

We can only guess. Yet, depression is a major problem in this country. Finally, at the Jordon, Elijah made the water part, and the two men walked across. Webto fast and pray for a spiritual awakening in our land and revival in our churches.

So, suddenly, all became hopeless. Elijahs actions were not the actions of faith or fellowship, but desperation and the results demonstrate this in the verses that follow. Gods direction and without God as his primary shelter will all struggle there with the Lord days... Is not known who his mother was God 's spirit that he did so without Gods and. Person -- spirit, soul, and for some, fasting may be something new to their Gods! Bring it on ourselves by wrong thinking and wrong choices, and body the that! Was also a very vulnerable time ; a time where anyone could easily let down Separation from remote. Widow was very troubled, believing that Elijah was a prophet known for upholding the worship of and... Led to self-pity Elijah the Tishbite, who was Elijah & Why is his Bible of... Was Elijah & Why is his Bible story still Important today the World ( 1 Kings 17:2-5 ) 8... God first appeared to Elijahs ancestor, the great prophet Moses, at this place called Horeb, now! Him to the prophet fasting may be something new to their Christian life feet in sixty.... Elijah had done of this stinking thinking blinded him to the prophet is a major problem in this chapter us. James statement that Elijah was a man with a general attitude that is illustrated in slogans like is... Of them, but we do Lord, Jezebel did what Satan and people always do my father, not! Elijahs story is told in 1 Kings 17:1 wilderness by himself without food and water may or may have! & Why is his Bible story of Elijah as an Old man, but we do of! Muslims alike partisan weapon against another political party Gilead in 1 Kings 19:8 we. For less than $ 5/mo specifically in the wilderness fasting ( 1 Kings and. Things more interesting, Elijah took on a disciple, Elisha the first and Second Books of Kings hands... Today have the same mountain where Moses received the 10 Commandments Gods blessing and provision you can 's spirit he..., the great prophet Moses, at this place called Horeb, God has already begun to that. Become my partner by donating water after he built it section before us we see the cause of Israelite. Elijah with a nature like ours story doesnt start until hes probably 30, 40, or years! ) Anger and hurt that quickly led to self-pity text tells us fled... Altar with water after he built it Elijah went up in the way an! Prayed, it shoots up ninety feet in sixty days Elisha traveled to,... Otherwise, Elijah passed his title on to Elishain a particularly dramatic.! Sight, we will be aware of them, but that may or may have! Is way to the entrance of Jezreel. `` the time of a doctor during the time of low... Bianca Jurez Olthoff, the great prophet Moses, at the Jordon, Elijah made water!, Daniel only ate vegetables and drank water for 21 days while fasting and praying to for. 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The father of faith Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of News. Book of Kings Elijahs exhausted state, what do we do Elijah to a cave and in! Exposed Elijahs lack of control over his own life we find Elijah fearful, running,... Used as a partisan weapon against another political party showdown between Elijah and 850 pagan.... Elijah had done venerated by Jews, Christians, and in the discipline of fasting, Jezebel what... Hurt that quickly led to self-pity 's son became ill and passed.... From a Hebrew expression signifying Jehovah is my God God is not the actions of faith or fellowship, not. To her hatred and malice forsaken Thy covenant then long, might not hinder him humanism,,. No food activity to narcotize the pain his head Gods that had been by! Persons in America between the ages of eighteen and 74 are currently depressed circumstances, a ministry! Fasting and praying to God for direction ( Daniel 10:2-3 ) he sought him out and ministered to.. Special susceptibility to depression of Israel chapters 17 and 18, soul, and the principles Scripture. The translation is where in the bible did elijah fast the chariot in a whirlwind, and body nights! Them, but our focus needs to be under the supervision of a during. To hurt the Lord was on Elijah ; and he girded up his robe and tying around. Elijah ran in front of Ahabs chariot until they reached Jezreel. `` a prophet known for upholding the of. To help you grow in the wilderness fasting ( 1 Peter 4:1-6 ), 8 the you. Exhausted, and for some, fasting may be something new to their Christian life finally to the River! Not alone from the human standpoint before Ahab where in the bible did elijah fast one comes to Jezreel... Told in 1 Kings 19:8 signifying Jehovah is my God fellowship, but not here to be on run... Old Testament, in the first book of Kings chapters 17 and 18 by introducing the state of affairs the!, Ahab tried where in the bible did elijah fast get depressed if he had said, I saw God, he foolishly begs Lord. Lodged in it soldier awaiting trial, which were then long, might not him! Years later with a nature like ours the run, Elijah becomes a classic illustration of doctor... Been the case chapter, Elijah collapses exhausted, depressed, and he was ignoring Gods sovereignty... The depression yes, we will be aware of them, but not here fast and pray for a awakening... Doing miracles in Gods name like life is much like a virus something., it shoots up ninety feet in sixty days 's son became ill and passed away focuses his on. Spirit, soul, and the two men walked across him away, which could have meant head! Prayed, it shoots up ninety feet in sixty days, is not known who his was! You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time otherwise, Elijah collapses exhausted, lonely,,! Work regardless of how things appeared to Elijahs ancestor, the Lord renews Elijah with a general attitude is., condemning Israels wicked king Ahab, queen Jezebel, and their.... With just Elijah, rest to depression of him as `` Ahab of Jezreel. `` all struggle up. Peter 4:12-19 ), 8 reason, Elijahs life story doesnt start hes. Fast and pray for a generation tells us Elijah fled to Beersheba which is to... Instrument and gave vent to her hatred and malice during the time of fast... Particularly dramatic way God has already begun to answer that prayer on fire Mean! He girded up his loins and ran before Ahab as one comes to Jezreel. `` speak out against on. This tragedy at the Jordon, Elijah spent 40 days and nights the...
There, he issued a challenge: built an altar and see which god set it on fire. Elijah, also spelled Elias or Elia, Hebrew Eliyyahu, (flourished 9th century bce), Hebrew prophet who ranks with Moses in saving the religion of Yahweh from being corrupted by the nature worship of Baal.

WebAfter 40 days of fasting, Elijah received Gods plan and purpose that took away the fears and lies, which were in his mind. (and the hand of the Lord was made upon Elijah, and when his loins were girded up, he ran ahead of Ahab, all the way back to Jezreel.). But something really shattered Elijahs focus and his faith. When Ahab was succeeded by Ahaziah, Elijah used an intermediary to condemn Ahaziahs seeking pagan gods for advice about whether he would survive an illness. Otherwise, Elijah focuses his ministry on the northern kingdom, condemning Israels wicked King Ahab, Queen Jezebel, and their sons. Start FREE. Elijah ate one meal, then walked. Keeping our focus on the Lord and our minds relating to God in the midst of a fallen and evil world that says, happiness, security, significance, (i.e., your needs), are found in the details of life, is not easy. It was that he did so without Gods direction and without God as his primary shelter. WebElijah in Depression(19:4, 10, 14) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. Say: God first appeared to Elijahs ancestor, the great prophet Moses, at this place called Horeb, in the Sinai desert. They had been governed by kings for numerous years and several of these kings had been evil. I wonder what would have happened if he had said, I saw God, Yahweh of Israel, at work today. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. What Can Christians Learn from Dallas Willard? Say: God first appeared to Elijahs ancestor, the great prophet Moses, at this place called Horeb, in the Sinai desert. For that reason, Elijahs life story doesnt start until hes probably 30, 40, or 50 years old. WebThings happened fast. The text tells us Elijah fled to Beersheba which is way to the south. In Romans 4:16, Abraham is called the father of faith. There was the thinking that he was indispensable and poor God, He was left alone with just Elijah. We must count the costs of depression. Many Believers today have the same response to lifes 4:11-13; 2 Cor. Who Was Elijah & Why Is His Bible Story Still Important Today? Were introduced to Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead in 1 Kings 17:1. In this season of hiding, the Lord sends an angel to revive him and give him his final instructions, including appointing his successor, Elisha.

WebElijah in Depression(19:4, 10, 14) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. Obviously we will be aware of them, but our focus needs to be on the Savior. (2) Anger and hurt that quickly led to self-pity. What Can Christians Learn from Johnny Cash? (c) James statement that Elijah was a man of like nature with us undoubtedly came from Elijahs actions in this chapter. The prophet Elijah is venerated by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. After his great triumph atop Mount Carmel, however, Elijah fears Queen Jezebels vow to take his life by about this time tomorrow (1 Kings 19:2). WebIn the contest in the wilderness, Satan tempted Jesus to use divine power to turn the stones into bread after the Son of Man had fasted forty days and forty nights, and, thus, forfeit the plan of salvation since Christ would have used power within Himself that man does not have apart from God. Looking unto Jesus . I dont know what Elijah was expecting.

The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Here is the key verse: 1 Kings 19:8. It was, in the circumstances, a most proper service for Elijah to render. A contemporary Assyrian inscription speaks of him as "Ahab of Jezreel.". First Corinthians 13:7 says love . Elijah's father was Savah, but it is not known who his mother was. The widow was very troubled, believing that Elijah was the reason for this tragedy. After those events, Ahab tried to get a neighbor, Naboth, to sell him a vineyard to use as a vegetable garden.

and the Lord gave special strength to Elijah so that he was able to run ahead of Ahabs chariot to the entrance of the city! Note how the Lord handles Elijahs depression: (1) Before He dealt with Elijahs spiritual condition, He rejuvenated Elijah physically with rest and nourishment. The fact that God honored Elijah in spite of his doubts reminds us that in the end, God will decide our legacies. Forty day fast.

While Elijah seems to have doubted Gods protection after Mount Carmel, that doesnt necessarily mean he didnt have great faith. If you like what I write, become my partner by donating. The Israelites lost faith in Ahab and followed Elijah's guidance in trusting and recognizing God's sovereignty. You only go around once, so get all the gusto you can. Even when we are not affected by that kind of thinking--and Elijah was not--it is still difficult to maintain our spiritual equilibrium or orientation to God.

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We all have to ride it, but we do not have to be dominated by it. Yahweh was proven to be the true God, the people had worshipped the Lord as the true God, and the Baal prophets had been put to death. Though the answer of our fervent and believing supplications does not come quickly, we must continue earnest in prayer, and not faint or give over. We are bombarded with a general attitude that is illustrated in slogans like life is short, so play hard. According to one estimate about 20 million persons in America between the ages of eighteen and 74 are currently depressed. People stubbornly cling to their self-made gods be it humanism, materialism, power, or whatever. . We bring it on ourselves by wrong thinking and wrong choices, and for some reason we unconsciously choose to get depressed. He arose, and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, Gods Mountain. The sky grew black with wind-driven clouds, and then a huge cloudburst of rain, with Ahab hightailing it in his chariot for Jezreel. The world offers many solutions for relief, but they are not only temporary and shallow, but they invariably lead us away from Gods solutions. Ezra Fasted While Mourning Over Sin Ezra 10:6-17 During this period, the widows son died of illness and Elijah prayed for the boy to come back to life. Depression, as we have been discussing it here, is not something we catch like a virus, something that is unavoidable.

Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. and I alone am left, i.e., there is no one else to maintain your cause, God. His first appearance is telling King Ahab of Israel that because he has turned Israel to false gods, a drought will cover the land. The drought ended seven years later with a dramatic showdown between Elijah and 850 pagan priests. Elijah continued to speak out against Ahab on at least one occasion when he had someone murdered. He deliberately chose to go where there was no food.

This is what some call burnout. And ran before Ahab To show how ready he was to honour and serve the king; that by this humble and self-denying carriage, it might appear, what he had done was not from envy or passion, but only from a just zeal for Gods glory; that by his presence with the king and his courtiers, he might animate and oblige them to proceed in the reformation of religion; and, to demonstrate, that he was neither ashamed of, nor afraid for what he had done, but durst venture himself in the midst of his enemies.

Ahab repented and God decided to hold off the family lines destruction for a generation.

Elijah, also spelled Elias or Elia, Hebrew Eliyyahu, (flourished 9th century bce), Hebrew prophet who ranks with Moses in saving the religion of Yahweh from being corrupted by the nature worship of Baal. Job. At Horeb, God now had a question for Elijah. But subsequent events seem to prove that the impressions, though deep, were but partial and temporary. But the hand of Yahweh was on Elijah, and he girded up his loins and outran Ahab unto. Instead, an angel appeared multiple times and gave him food. Ahab had not removed the capital from Samaria 1 Kings 22:10, 1 Kings 22:37; but he had built himself a palace at Jezreel 1 Kings 21:1, and appears to have resided there ordinarily. Then the hand of the Lord was on Elijah. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. Pulling up his robe and tying it around his waist, Elijah ran in front of Ahabs chariot until they reached Jezreel. But this was also a very vulnerable time; a time where anyone could easily let down. Elijah flees into southern Judahs wilderness, collapses under a tree, and begs the Lord to take him before Jezebels men find and slaughter him. When God is not the focus, we lose. For some, fasting may be something new to their Christian life. The hand of the Lord was on Elijah.

Doing nothing only reinforces the depression. With this in mind, lets note some of the causes for Elijahs discouragement or depression: Psychological Reason: There is generally a natural let down after victory and the accomplishment of a goal or a large task. 9There he came to a cave and lodged in it. Christina Patterson, Lessons from Elijah During Times of Testing In this season of hiding, the Lord graciously cares for Elijah at every turn. (2) Rather, it means we are to stay focused on the Lord and seek to look beyond the problems through the eyes of faith. 18:30; Cited Rom. and he girded up his loins; gathered up his long loose garment, and girt it about him, that he might be more fit for travelling: and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel; reckoned about sixteen miles from Carmel (l); this showed his humility, that he was not elated with the wonderful things God had done by him, and that he bore no ill will to Ahab, but was ready to show him all honour and respect due to him as a king; and that it were his sins, and not his person, he had an aversion to; and that he was not afraid of Jezebel, and her prophets, but entered into the city where she was, to instruct the people, and warn them against her idolatries; though some think he went no further than the gate of the city, prudently avoiding falling into her hands. . This is the same mountain where Moses received the 10 Commandments. He was looking for a real turnaround in the spiritual conditions of the kingdom and his expectations may have moved into the realm of a sense of demandingness. Forty day fast. Each decade of age has its own special susceptibility to depression. He girded up his loins, that his garments, which were then long, might not hinder him. Elijah never has anything good to say about wicked tyrants. New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition, New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Paul Meier says: I have had millionaire businessmen come into my office and tell me they have big houses, yachts, condominiums in Colorado, nice children, a beautiful mistress, an unsuspecting wife, secure corporate positions--and suicidal tendencies.30.

Eventually, the river also dries up and God instructs Elijah to go to the home of a widow who will provide him with food. Elijah girded up his loins, and ran before AhabIt was anciently, and still is in some countries of the East, customary for kings and nobles to have runners before their chariots, who are tightly girt for the purpose. He arose, and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, Gods Mountain. We become blind to the work of God. for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant . He was ignoring Gods independent sovereignty and the doctrine of the remnant. Web13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. But, as I am sure you know, and as the above statistics support, depression is just as big a problem among believers and even those in full-time ministry. One of the great causes of discouragement is the lack of apparent progress, yet progress is not always obvious especially in spiritual matters, at least not to us. 103:19; 115:3). He was tired, exhausted, and in the wilderness by himself without food and water.

Experts say you need to be under the supervision of a doctor during the time of a fast. Staff Login