What to Do When You Find Yourself Sitting Under a Juniper Tree
Noah Olson
“In 1835 a man visited a doctor in Florence, Italy. He was filled with anxiety and exhausted from lack of sleep. He couldn't eat, and he avoided his friends. The doctor examined him and found that he was in prime physical condition. Concluding that his patient needed to have a good time, the physician told him about a circus in town and its star performer, a clown named Grimaldi. Night after night he had the people rolling in the aisles. ‘You must go and see him,’ the doctor advised. ‘Grimaldi is the world's funniest clown. He'll make you laugh and cure your sadness.’ ‘No,’ replied the despairing man, ‘he can't help me. you see, I am Grimaldi!’”[1]
We may have felt that same sadness, emptiness, and loss of interest in daily activities. We may grow tired, feel anxious, and have trouble concentrating, feeling even some physical problems.[2] We may have asked questions like “what is the point of life,” “why do I feel this way,” or “why am I even trying?” Such feelings, thoughts, and life situations are common signs of what is known as depression; one of the world’s most common emotional disorders.
One said, “Depression is the common cold of the mind.” The APA defines depression as “a negative affective state, ranging from unhappiness and discontent to an extreme feeling of sadness, pessimism, and despondency, that interferes with daily life.” Depression’s causes are unique to individuals; however, some common reasons are chemical imbalances, genetics, stress, substance use, or even anxiety. According to the World Health Organization, about 5% of adults struggle with it, which does not include the myriads of teenagers on the verge of developing it (cf. Psalm 88:15). Included in such a number are the many Christians who struggle with it, which brings much sadness and distress as they try to please God. Depression is often worse than a physical malady because of the lack of light at the end of the tunnel. Elizabeth Wurtzel observed
That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end.
The concept of depression is seen consistently throughout the Scriptures. The English word does not occur in the KJV, but the Greek expresses, “the most extreme anguish which the soul can feel - excruciating anxiety and torture of spirit”[3] (Matthew 26:37; Mark 14:33). Depression is more than feeling sad;[4] it is the breaking of the spirit (Proverbs 18:14). The Bible gives us plenty of examples of the faithful who struggled with depression with men like Moses, perhaps David, maybe Paul, and definitely Elijah. We sometimes find ourselves going through periods of distress and depression, and it is during these times that we want to make sure to triumph through.
Elijah is one of Scriptures mightiest warriors, but he was not exempt from one of humanity’s greatest struggles (James 5:17). Elijah, the prophet had just previously helped a widow and her son (1 Kings 17) and had made very clear the power of God among Jezebel’s prophets (1 Kings 18). One would not think that Elijah would have fallen into such a deep pit after so many glorious events that had happened; however, it was likely a result from a growth of certain events in his life that lead to his downfall (1 Kings 19:1-3). From this we learn that sometimes after big accomplishments, big downfalls can occur, so we should be cautious to watch out for this digression.
We learn from this situation in the life of Elijah that God’s faithful sometimes face depression; however, it is not the fact that they do face it that defines them, but whether they overcome it that does. We may be “troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Some struggle with depression for years, only to eventually be lifted from such a vicious cycle (Psalm 88:13-18)[5]. Here, we want to take a mental check and examine, like David, “Why art thou cast down O my soul?” (Psalm 42:11). Here are three things you can do when you find yourself sitting under the juniper tree.
Ask What Caused It (1 Kings 19:1-4).
Depression is not without cause. Anyone who struggles with such knows that there must be a reason they feel the way they do, even if it is hard to detect. Many psychologists have detailed some causes of depression, and the lists are lengthy. Finding the cause for our depression is the first step in overcoming it. Usually, talk therapy is the initial stage of examining the WHY for the way we feel. Interestingly, God uses the same type of “therapy” to get Elijah to recognize his state. It was Asaph who was in a continual state of pain, “until” he turned to God (Psalm 73:16-17). Elijah needed to know what CAUSED his feelings.
Fear (1 Kings 19:1-3). One of the causes for one’s falling into depression is anxiety or fear over certain events. Because of the events that transpired in chapter 18, Jezebel sends a death warrant to Elijah! This of course would have caused Elijah to grow anxious and scared for his life, which is evident in his fleeing. He ran about 95 miles south to Beer-sheba and Albert Barnes thinks he ran both day and night! Fear of loss of job, fear of inadequacy, fear of the unknown, or the fear of health may cause one to go into depression. Christians may fear they are not good enough, be anxious about their past, or even fearful if their home in heaven is in danger. Fearfulness can cause a man to:
Doubt.
Do things one would not normally do.
Overthink.
Refrain from doing certain things.
Have physical maladies. Elijah’s fear perhaps caused him not to eat.
Fear truly, is the great inflictor: “Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down” (Proverbs 12:25a, ESV).
Lack of self-confidence (1 Kings 19:4). “I can’t do it,” “I am a nobody,” “I’ve failed,” or “I can’t do anything right,” may be thoughts of some who struggle with depression. Elijah was caught up in such for he said, “I am not better than my fathers.” Perhaps he thought he failed due to the continual wickedness of the country. Maybe he thought he was worthless due to his being unable to convert the pagan idolators. Sometimes Christians find themselves with the same lack of confidence, eventually leading to depressive attitudes.
Perhaps the person we study with failed to respond to the Gospel and now, we feel like we are the ones to blame.
Maybe we keep falling to the same mistake and feel unworthy to even follow God anymore.
The disappointments of brethren’s treatment towards us, may cause us to question the beauty of the church.
When the righteous are not as bold as lions (Proverbs 28:1), they become weary like Elephants. When we attempt to measure ourselves to others or judge our own worthiness on the situations we face, we should only expect to fall into depression.
Feeling of loneliness (1 Kings 19:10). Loneliness is a REAL feeling. Humans are social creatures and desire to be with another like them. Being alone is undesirable and can even be harmful (Genesis 2:18-20; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 2 Timothy 4:16). When one feels like he has no one to turn to, whether it be family that has forsaken him, friends that have deserted him, or acquaintances that have neglected him; this WILL cause one to fall into depression. Although it was false, Elijah assumed he was alone. He must not have known about Obadiah’s hiding of God’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4). He felt as if he was the only one. When men feel this way, they begin to wonder,
Does anyone care about me?
Do people think that I still exist?
Am I important to anyone?
Why am I fighting if I am fighting alone?
Because of the stress of life and the feeling of loneliness, people then fall into depression. Christians may begin to wonder if anything they do is worth it or if they are the only ones doing it. Minority should not lead down the paths of feelings of abandonment, but it often does. Elijah felt alone which led to his feeling of worthlessness.
When we find ourselves struggling with fear, a lack of self-confidence, or loneliness, we may be sitting under our own juniper tree. When we find that life is too hard for us (cf. Numbers 11:14), our surroundings dark, and our spirits drowning, we may be plunged into a dark pit (Psalm 143:3-4, 7). We don’t have to stay, if we just look up.
Examine the Symptoms (1 Kings 19:5-8).
Charles Spurgeon claimed, “There are dungeons beneath the castles of despair.” John Henry Jowett said, “You seem to imagine I have no ups and downs but just a level and lofty stretch of spiritual attainment with unbroken joy….By no means! I am often perfectly wretched and everything appears most murky!” Abraham Lincoln noted, “I am now the most miserable man living.” Those who struggle with depression feel similarly as the above. Feelings of lethargy, loss of interest in activities, and physical ailments may be proof of one’s dealing with such a problem. Elijah’s depression is diagnosed by his symptoms as seen in the text. Here we examine some common signs of spiritual depression and can find comfort knowing that we, along with this spiritual giant, face times of distress.
Aloneness (1 Kings 19:4). While it is not uncommon to want to be alone during hard times, often, seclusion is evidence for a depressive attitude. Elijah went to the “wilderness” and “left his servant” in Jezreel. Instead of being surrounded by people who could comfort him, he did the opposite and was alone. While he thought it may have helped, it actually may have led to some hurt. Many Christians may do this when stressed.
We may refrain from socializing with friends.
We may not feel zealous to attend the assembly (Psalm 122:1; Hebrews 10:24-25).
We may not express our emotions to each other (cf. James 5:16).
If we find ourselves always wanting to be alone, we may find ourselves like Elijah. Aloneness increases depression, it does not help it because zealous, spiritual increase comes in numbers (Proverbs 27:17).
Desire to die (1 Kings 19:4). One said that 87% of completed suicides are due to major depressive disorder.[6] Those struggling with depression often see no light at the end of the emotional pain, therefore, death seems to be the only way to end it. Elijah’s desire for death because of distress, is not uncommon (Numbers 11:14; Job 3:20-22; Jeremiah 20:14-18; Jonah 4:3, 8). Unlike Moses, Job, Jeremiah, Jonah, or even Elijah, some act upon it like Judas (Matthew 27:3-5); however, such is not the way to handle depression. A desire to die:
Prohibits one from fulfilling God’s plan for him. Elijah still had more work to do.
Hurts one’s family and friends. What about those who looked up to Elijah (Obadiah)? What would they think?
Shows failure due to pain, not success over it. Elijah would have let Satan overcome him, instead of him overcoming Satan (James 1:12).
Faithful Christians know that despite their pain and desire to be with Christ through death, it is far better to remain on earth until the time appointed (cf. Philippians 1:21-24).
A refrain from eating (1 Kings 19:5-8). The angel’s directive to Elijah implies that he had ceased from eating, a common symptom of depression. During hard times, many will refrain from eating to gain proper focus; however, such should not be a lingering process. Appetites usually are decreased, and weight often is lost during bouts with depressive moods.
Irregular sleeping (1 Kings 19:5-6). Elijah slept under the juniper tree at least twice! Sometimes rest is needed, but there is a time when one must get back up. Commonly, depression is noticed when people sleep either too much or too little, and it can even result in insomnia.
Cessation of certain activities (1 Kings 19:8). Elijah took a break from preaching and went into mount Horeb, about 150-200 miles from Beersheba. Taking breaks is good, but this should only be for a short time. Those who struggle with depression often lose interest in the things they once loved. Elijah may have had little interest in trying to convert Israel.
Elijah fell into a state of worry and depression, wishing he would have just died. Instead, God was not through with Him yet, as He is not through with us if we just listen to, “the word of the Lord.”
Find the Cures (1 Kings 19).[7]
No person has to stay in a mood of distress and depression. Although the way seems dark and dreary, it does not HAVE to consume us. Elijah met God on mount Horeb and there he conversed with his Creator. His answer shows the distress of his mental state (1 Kings 19:10, 14).
Depression is usually a cycle of the same thing. Elijah verbalized the same phrase to God, twice. Sometimes we may give a reason for our distress but are not really cognizant of what we are saying or why we are saying it because depression often inflicts our perception of reality.
Depression focuses on the negative. Elijah says five negative things: (1) the children of Israel forsook the covenant of God, (2) they threw the alters down, (3) they killed the prophets, (4) he was only left, and (5) they wanted to kill him. Depression ONLY focuses on negative narratives.
Depression deceives. Elijah convinced himself he was the only one left, but God reminded him of the truth (1 Kings 19:18).
Depression makes one fixate on self. Elijah was truly focused only with his present situation; he forgot what God had done in the past.[8]
Thankfully, he met God on the mountain.
Curing depression is not an easy task, but it is a possible one. Some resort to unhelpful means like alcohol, drugs, bad influences, or suicide. Such “cures” do not take distress away, they only mask it and lengthen the process (cf. Proverbs 17:22b). Beautifully, God’s explanation to Elijah on the mountain paves the way for Elijah to get back on his feet again. When battling distress or depression, we should remember these six “cures.”
Observe others. When we feel blue, read about the Red Cross and their efforts. When you are questioning the point of life, talk to those at the nursing home. When you find yourself thinking of the negatives, ponder the positives with the less fortunate. Three good questions[9] to ask are:
“Is there a real cause?” Sometimes depression is founded in unrealistic fears and false imaginations. Elijah did not see the whole picture.
“Have others more cause but have less worry?” There is always someone with whom we would never trade places. Visiting the injured, talking with the sick, and examining the dying are good ways to make us feel better about our lives. Elijah did not have it as bad as those who were being slain for serving God.
“Have we not also a reason to be encouraged?” Look at the good things in your life. Write them down on paper or count them up in your head. What good things has God blessed you with? Elijah was taken care of BY GOD!
A look at reality will often help us overcome any distress we have (cf. Matthew 6:26-30).
Eat (1 Kings 19:5-7). While fasting can be healthy, getting on an eating routine is good for the body. Apparently, Elijah refrained from eating, but an angel commanded him to “Arise, and eat,” twice. Those who are depressed are encouraged to eat carbohydrates and this is exactly what was given to Elijah. Today foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain foods[10] are encouraged for the distressed. Food often makes a man joyous (Psalm 104:15; cf. Proverbs 25:16).
Talk to God (1 Kings 19:9). Outward expressions of inward disturbances result in spiritual renewals. God’s ear heard Elijah’s cry which could have brought Elijah relief. Talking to God about our struggles is vitally important. There will always be an ear when no one will hear, a hand to help us up, and an eye that is always watching. Victor Hugo Wrote: “Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.”
Know you are not alone (1 Kings 19:5, 7, 11-13, 19-21). God allows the angel to touch Elijah twice. He also came to him in a still small voice. We don’t have to bear our distress alone. Instead, know that God is with you and that family and friends will be there to comfort you. This is some of the best medicine (Proverbs 25:20; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Understand the reality of things (1 Kings 19:18). Often, we create problems in our own minds where there was never one to begin with, or upon recognition it was not as detrimental as we first thought. Elijah assumed he was alone, yet God affirmed his presupposed idea as wrong, for 7,000 had not bowed to Baal! Elijah needed to be reminded that he COULD DO THE WORK OF GOD and that he was successful! He preached a powerful sermon just a few days before, he did not need to fret! Reality checks are an important part of our overcoming distress. We need to think about things that are true and good for us (Philippians 4:8).
Get back to work (1 Kings 19:15-16). God commands Elijah to “Go.” Since depression results in a lost of interest in activities and a cessation of past actions, it is important to get back up. God gave him three tasks which were to be fulfilled: anoint (1) Hazael, (2) Jehu, and (3) Elisha. If we feel down, maybe it is time to get back to doing the same thing as Elijah.
Get involved in evangelism (Mark 16:15). Begin by handing out church cards at businesses you go to. Then progress into Bible studies and even organizing evangelistic events.
Attend more social events. If the church organizes a game night, attend. If the fellowship meal is coming up, go! If someone hosts a gathering, don’t hesitate to R.S.V.P. Go to more lectureships and Gospel meetings! There is no better way to feel encouraged than to attend Bible lessons at Polishing the Pulpit, the Show Me State Lectures in Branson, Missouri, or the Memphis School of Preaching Lectureship.
Get back to study. Study a new book you haven’t yet, read a book you’ve never read, write some notes, or create an article! Figure out new ways to serve the Lord.
We should have long-term goals too. Perhaps we want to study with a new person every month. It may be that we take a liking to helping the youth; commit to having them over to your house every month. Maybe you make it a goal to write a book this year! Perhaps you like Elijah want to take on a mentor! If we have ceased doing the work of the Lord, then it is time to get back at it (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Elijah faced deep depression, but it didn’t stay that way. Thankfully, Elijah went to the mountain. Have you left the tree and gone to the mountain?
Endnotes
[1]https://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/d/depression.htm
[2]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
[3]Adam Clarke, Matthew 26:37, eSWORD Module.
[4]https://ibcd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cdc-15-outline.pdf
[5]https://ibcd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cdc-15-outline.pdf
[6]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8481605/
[7]Some of the six points from Jack Mcniel and other sources.
[8]https://www.theshepherds.church/blog/overcoming-persistent-darkness
[9]These three questions come from Allen Webster in a Bible marking period during a MSOP class.
[10]https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/healthy-eating#essential-nutrients