Back in the pre-pandemic days I would often get away from the office and grab lunch – all by myself. As an introvert I often crave times of isolation because I need those times to recharge. Well, after nearly a month of quarantine I am ready for this to be over!!! I miss seeing the rest of the church staff. I miss our weekly gatherings and getting to see the church family. I miss visiting Connect Groups (although I still try to do this virtually) and I miss worshipping together with my brothers and sisters in Christ! This kind of isolation is frustrating for everyone but for some it can lead to depression.
As I thought about depression and the scriptures, I was immediately drawn to the Prophet Elijah. 1 Kings 18 and 19 tell an incredible part of the prophet’s story. In 1 Kings 18 there is the famous battle of the prophets. Elijah stands alone as the prophet of the one true God against the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah – the false gods worshiped by many at that time. The contest was for the prophets to call on their God/god and have them send down fire from heaven to consume the offering that had been prepared.
The prophets of Baal went first and called out to their god from morning to evening but there was no response. Elijah mocked them saying, perhaps he is on a journey or asleep or maybe he has gone to the bathroom! The prophets of Baal cried and even cut themselves to try and get their “god” to respond but their non-existent god remained silent.
Then Elijah had the people soak his alter three times with water and then he called out to the one true God. 1 Kings 18:38 says: “Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.” God proved Himself worthy of all worship and praise and glory!!!
Remarkably after this great victory Elijah falls into a deep depression. There are several reasons for his depression. First of all, Ahab and Jezebel want him dead before the day is over so Elijah has to flee into the wilderness. Secondly, Elijah was exhausted and starving from the battle between the prophets and his flight into the wilderness. Lastly, Elijah feels like he is completely alone. He thinks he is the only one standing up for the Lord. Twice he proclaims he is the only one who has not bowed down to the false gods.
Our merciful and compassionate God comes and addresses Elijah in his time of depression and need. Elijah is awakened by an angel in the wilderness to find a cake baked on a hot stove and a jar of water. Elijah eats and drinks and then sleeps some more. He is again awakened and he eats and drinks and regains his strength for the long journey to Horeb – the mount of God.
It is at mount Horeb that God speaks to Elijah. He does not speak in the great and mighty wind. He did not speak in the earthquake. He did not speak in the fire. God spoke to Elijah in a low whisper or a still small voice. God spoke to Elijah and addressed his every concern. God had already given him food and water. Now God assures Elijah that he is not alone. There are 7000 others who have not bowed to Baal. God always preserves a remnant for His own. And even though there were those who wanted Elijah dead – God still had work for Elijah to accomplish.
There were kings to anoint and a successor to anoint to take Elijah’s place before his work was finished.
So, what can we learn from Elijah’s story? First of all – we are never alone. Even in the midst of the most restrictive quarantine there are brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world who are in this with us. We all miss the church family! But we are all still here. We could not gather to worship the risen King on Easter but the body of Christ known as Swift Creek Baptist Church still worshiped the King! Not in the way we wanted but we…the church still worshiped.
As the body we are still here for one another, but even more importantly the Lord is still with us. He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. My earthly brother lives over an hour away from me and I haven’t seen him in a while now but Jesus, He is with me every day!
Just as God provided food and water for Elijah, God will provide for his children during this time. We know some in our congregation and in our communities may be in need at this time. That is why we started the CoronaCare fund to help meet needs during this time of economic uncertainty. Several thousand dollars have already been donated to the fund so as needs arise please let one of the pastors know. We will be working with and through our Deacons to use these funds to meet needs. And if you are in need – please be humble enough to ask for assistance. Your brothers and sisters have already contributed to meet your need!
Lastly, just as God had work for Elijah to complete, he has things you can to do to battle against isolation and depression during this quarantine. We need to care for ourselves and others.
1) Get outside and get some vitamin D in the sunshine. This could also give you an opportunity to speak to a neighbor (remember your social distancing).
2) Call a friend. Yes, we all walk around with a computer in our pocket (smart phone) but it is still a phone! Reconnect with someone. They may be feeling isolated as well. As you try to be a blessing to others, you will be blessed as well.
3) Listen to uplifting Christian music. I loved seeing so many of our worship leaders in the Worship video this week! What a blessing that was.
4) Get into a virtual Connect Group. Most of our Connect Groups are still meeting. And some of them are meeting twice a week. It really does help with the isolation and you will hear some great teaching.
5) We are all feeling a little isolated during this season but there is a much deeper level of depression that you may be dealing with. This kind of depression is not going away with a walk in the sunshine and a talk with a neighbor. If you feel like you are dealing with serious depression during this season – call the church office at 804-739-3001 and ask to speak to one of the Pastors. We are here for you and will call you back the same day!
Until we gather again for worship stay safe, always remember God is with you, He cares for you and He has work for you to accomplish in advancing His kingdom here on earth!