Care

 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.”
1 Kings 19:5 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1ki.19.5.ESV

Elijah was fleeing from murderous queen Jezabel. He was feeling so sorry for himself that he despaired of his very life. I love how God graciously responds to suicidal Elijah.

What is God's response to Elijah's pity party? To let him rest and to provide him food, not once, but twice! Sometimes, when we're mentally ill, there isn't some complicated solution but simple self care.

Elijah was too depressed to look after himself. Thankfully God gave him the rest and refreshment we need. It was wrong of Elijah to despair of life, however understandable his feeling might be. There was no judgment from God however, only compassionate care.

Are we feeling sorry for ourselves? Are we despairing? Well at the very least, all we might need are things as simple as rest and refreshment.

'God, may You compassionately care for us when we're feeling anxious and depressed. Please help us overcome such feelings by the power of Your Holy Spirit, knowing that You don't judge us for them. In Christ's name we pray, amen'

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