Elijah and Discouragement
A guest post by Chad Ramsey.
Even the best individuals can become discouraged.
Moses certainly fell into this category as he led the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan. Upon hearing the people complain about their provisions, Moses felt the responsibility God placed upon him was too great. Consequently, he asked God:
“Why have You afflicted Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me?” (Numbers 11:11).
Without waiting for God’s response, Moses continued:
“I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now—if I have found favor in Your sight—and do not let me see my wretchedness!” (vv. 14-15).
Elijah’s Discouragement.
The self-pity Moses exhibited is typical of those who feel inadequate. Although individuals may become discouraged by other factors, it seems Elijah suffered from a problem similar to that experienced by Moses.
Despite winning a great spiritual battle for the Lord and showing that God, not Baal, is to be served, the prophet found himself running for his life and hiding from wicked queen Jezebel. When asked by the Lord to explain his behavior, Elijah responded:
“I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life” (1 Kings 19:10).
Essentially, Elijah told God: “I’ve done all that I could do and nothing has changed. I’m not up to the task.” As Paul R. House noted:
“He replies that Israel is apostate, and they kill the prophets, and he alone stands for the covenant of faith. Again, he sees no real reason to continue. Apparently he had hoped that the Mount Carmel episode would produce a final victory over Baalism” (1, 2 Kings, 223).
Elijah was at a spiritual low-point, but God did not allow him to stay there.
God’s Encouragement.
As He had done with Moses (cf. Numbers 11:16-17), the Lord reminded Elijah that he was not alone. Instead, God declared there were “seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18).
In another striking parallel to His dealings with Moses (cf. Exodus 33:21-22), God also presented Himself to Elijah at Mount Horeb. Strong wind, an earthquake and fire accompanied God’s presence (1 Kings 19:11). Nevertheless, Elijah did not hide his face until he heard “a still small voice.” Commenting on this reaction, August H. Konkel wrote:
“Elijah experiences the divine Presence, though it is not possible for him to encounter directly the divine majesty. After the storm, earthquake, and fire, God speaks in the silence. The divine word comes to Elijah renewing his commission to judge the compromise of the covenant and bring about a renewal” (The NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Kings, 303).
If discouragement comes because of our own feelings of inadequacy, encouragement should come when we realize God remains in control. This was a lesson Elijah had to learn.
House, Paul R. 1, 2 Kings (New American Commentary). Nashville: B & H, 1995
Konkel, August H. The NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Kings. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.
Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.
Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you.
Old Testament "solutions" to discouragement translate well into the New Covenant. Well done essay.
When I am discouraged, I reflect own what God has said to me personally and the agony Jesus felt.