October 1, 2026
Even if you’re fortunate enough not to struggle with depression, there’s a good chance you know someone who does. It has been estimated that 40 million Americans battle this ailment. In fact, research has shown that those born since 1945 are ten times more likely to suffer from depression than those born before.
I introduced this topic last time with a disclaimer - I am not a physician and can’t speak from a medical standpoint. That said, as a trained and experienced pastor, I feel confident approaching the subject from a spiritual standpoint, based on biblical principles.
The prophet Elijah served as the key figure from Scripture in the first session. Based on the meltdown he experienced early in his ministry, you were encouraged to avoid the traps that he encountered -fear, enemy, comparison, blame, and pity. If you find yourself ensnared by any of these, apply the following remedies.
Take care of your physical needs- Elijah’s emotional struggles stemmed in part from physical deficiencies. Realizing the prophet’s state of hunger and fatigue, God sent the “angel of the Lord,” the preincarnate Jesus, to prepare a meal for him.
God has designed us in such a way that there is an inseparable connection between body and soul, the physical and spiritual. And even though the bodies we now possess are temporary, we must still do our best to take care of them.
I’m convinced that many of our emotional and physical struggles are self-inflicted. Careless eating habits, a lack of sleep, and inadequate exercise take their toll as we age. Eat right, get adequate rest, and get moving (if you’re able).
Share your burdens with God- Elijah certainly did. In fact, a careful survey of the Bible reveals that many of the Lord’s servants were not afraid to express adverse emotions and expressions.
Moses is a key example. When Pharaoh increased the workload of the Israelites, he cried out, “O Lord, why have you brought harm to this people? Why did You ever send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done harm to this people, and You have not delivered Your people at all” (Exodus 5:22,23 NASB).
Going to family and friends can certainly help you through emotional battles. Just make sure you’re going before God as well.
Anticipate a “visit” from God- Here, Elijah was blessed with a Christophany, a preincarnate appearance of Christ. Forty days later, God Himself spoke to the beleaguered prophet in a gentle whisper.
Examining the life of Abraham, I marvel at the number of times God “visited” him. Whether by voice, vision, or personal appearance, the Lord came to call, inform, inspire, and test (see Genesis 12:1, 12:7, 13:14, 15:1, 17:1, 18:1, 22:1).
To the one who says, “I sure wish God would come to me in such a way,” consider this: As believers, we have something that Abraham did not have–the Holy Spirit living in us. Although signs, dreams, and visions have their place, none can compare to “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). As Counselor, the Holy Spirit delights in encouraging and uplifting us.
Move ahead in the work- As God instructed Elijah, “Go, return on your way… anoint Hazael king over Aram, anoint Jehu…king over Israel…and Elisha…anoint as prophet in your place” (1 Kings 19:15,16).
There’s nothing like the “tonic of a fresh task,” updated marching orders from God. I can’t tell you the number of times that a call to minister to a hurting family, an unexpected speaking engagement, a new writing assignment, or other related opportunities lifted me up from the dungeon of discouragement.
When asked what to do when getting close to a nervous breakdown, psychiatrist Karl Menninger said, “Lock your house, go across the railroad tracks, find someone in need, and do something for him.” God wants you to enjoy abundant life in Christ, defeating depression when it rears its ugly head. Join me in this “battle of the blues” by avoiding the traps and applying the remedies.
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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
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