Arise and eat. —1 Kings 19:5


The angel in this passage did not give Elijah a vision, or explain the Scriptures to him, or do anything remarkable. He simply told Elijah to do a very ordinary thing, that is, to get up and eat. If we were never depressed, we would not be alive— only material things don’t suffer depression. If human beings were not capable of depression, we would have no capacity for happiness and exaltation. There are things in life that are designed to depress us; for example, things that are associated with death. Whenever you examine yourself, always take into account your capacity for depression.

When the Spirit of God comes to us, He does not give us glorious visions, but He tells us to do the most ordinary things imaginable. Depression tends to turn us away from the everyday things of God’s creation. But whenever God steps in, His inspiration is to do the most natural, simple things— things we would never have imagined God was in, but as we do them we find Him there. The inspiration that comes to us in this way is an initiative against depression. But we must take the first step and do it in the inspiration of God. If, however, we do something simply to overcome our depression, we will only deepen it. But when the Spirit of God leads us instinctively to do something, the moment we do it the depression is gone. As soon as we arise and obey, we enter a higher plane of life.

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Journal DJR
Good morning Lord,
Depression, it seems to be part of the human condition. Without it, we can’t appreciate non-depression? Is that all there is to it?

There is more than that, but that what you say is true. There are many varied types of depression. People fight it as if it is an evil, never to be experienced if possible. True, evil can lurk there and come out of it, but good can as well. Consider that things can be learned in periods of depression. Gratitude, Perspective and Empathy can be gained in ways unobtainable from textbooks and academic study. So stay curious in your times of depression. Suspecting that I’m in there somewhere. I won’t hide for long. Seek me and you will find me. Look especially in the mundane places and you will find clues that will lead you.

Proverbs 1:20
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square;

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Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, there have been times recently when I have been depressed, fighting, clawing and scratching…and reading the Bible and every self-help book I can find trying to get out from under it. Are you saying that depression is a part of life, and like trials I should not try so hard to get out from under it?

And God says…”Remember that I use everyday circumstances and situations to help shape you…all things work for the good of those that love the Lord. And recall in James….do not try to remove yourself from your trials too early, let them have their perfect result. You can find Me inside your trials, depression and persecutions. I do not just reveal myself in your rescue or miracles. When you are connected to Me, you can find Me in all areas of your life, and although you may be depressed, I will not let it harm you irreparably. I will simply use this like all other things to work for your good.”

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