If we were feeling unsympathetic after reading 1 Kings 19:1-4, we might judge Elijah for missing the obvious point: that God was powerful enough to take care of him, even against an evil queen.
In the same way, when some people are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental challenges, there are – regrettably – some well-meaning Christians who will just tell them to “have more faith”, or point out how God has taken care of them in the past.
Don’t get me wrong: our faith is important, and God’s faithfulness has been proven countless times. There is a time and a place to remind ourselves and others about these important things. However, there are other situations when someone who is struggling doesn’t need to be told that their feelings aren’t logical or rational. Instead, they need some tangible support.
Let’s see how God responded when Elijah ran from a vengeful queen.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night.
1 Kings 19:5b-9a NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/1ki.19.5-9.NIV
So, what did God provide? Not judgment. Instead, God provided food, water, and a chance to rest.
As we can learn from later verses (like 1 Kings 19:11-18), God had an important message for Elijah. God had a reminder for him about who God is, as well as some instructions for what Elijah needed to do next. However, God’s timing is always perfect, so that message could wait. (And, apparently God’s food is really good for you, since it helped Elijah travel for 40 days and 40 nights!)
Sometimes when we encounter a friend who is struggling, they don’t need platitudes pushed upon them or Bible verses quoted out of context. They need rest, something to eat and drink, and maybe a hug.
Let’s also acknowledge that we – and others – have feelings, and that sometimes they aren’t good ones. While feelings don’t always reflect reality (especially when we don’t have the whole picture), they are real. Since God is described as having emotions, and we are created in His image, we don’t have to try and boil our humanity down to merely a bunch of facts and logic.
When we have complicated feelings, though, let’s bring them to God. He is a good listener, and He knows what we need next. He even understands when we run away from our problems, and when we think that we’re all alone.
Having said that, when we struggle with our feelings, let’s also listen to God’s answers for us.
- He might remind us to eat, drink, and rest.
- He might let us run with our own thoughts for a while.
- He might give us something meaningful to do.
- He might even provide someone else to help us out.
Praise God that He created us, and that He understands we’re not just machines that operate without emotions. God knows our thoughts and our feelings, and He isn’t afraid of them. He doesn’t wait until we have everything together before He’s ready to talk with us. Instead, He walks with us through our challenges.
Maybe you need to hear that this week, or maybe someone around you needs to hear that this week. Keep an eye out!
From Sunday School lesson prepared for May 18, 2025
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – 1 & 2 Kings, by Jesse C. Long, Jr. © 2002 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 