I’ve always loved the story of Elijah’s challenge to the prophets of Baal recorded in 1 Kings 18. He goes from the mountain top of success to the deep valley of depression in only a short time. All because of the fear he allows to grip him at the words of Jezebel when she threatened to kill him.
The words of Elijah reveal his thoughts. “I have had enough.” “Take my life.” “I’m no better than my ancestors.” “I’m the only faithful person left.”
Have you every lied to yourself like that? I know I have. “I’m no good.” “I can’t do anything.” “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, guess I’ll go eat worms.”
And then comes God.
He does three things for Elijah.
Takes care of his physical needs by having him to rest and giving him food to eat.
Challenges the lies he’s telling himself and replaces them with the truth. “I have seven thousand who have not yet bowed the knee to Baal.”
Gives him something to do for others.
Following Dr. Bill Baker’s recommendation, I am currently reading “Feeling Good, The New Mood Therapy” by David D. Burns, M.D.
Guess what Dr. Burns gives as the key factor in overcoming the negative and destructive attitudes we have about ourselves and others? You guessed it, identify the lies our thoughts and feelings are telling us and replace them with truth and reality.
Aren’t truth and reality important components of living in the image of Jesus?