by Pat Hackney
All of us at one time or another become discouraged. Although life is a wonderful thing, it has it ups and downs. In 1 Kings 19, we read about one of the great prophets of God who became so discouraged that he requested he might die.
Elijah wanted to die because his life was being threatened and everything looked very bleak for him. However, the Lord had better plans for him and He gave Elijah five cures for his discouragement. Let us look at these and apply them to our own lives when we feel down and out.
Elijah was told to do the following:
1. Take care of his physical necessities (vs. 5). If we have any health or physical problems, we need to attend them.
2. Talk to God and let him know what is bothering us (vs. 9-10). Prayer is so vitally important for our lives to have meaning.
3. Get busy, get involved in the lives of others. (vs. 15-16). Minister unto others.
4. Focus on the good; not the bad (vs. 18). Remember, there are others who serve the Lord faithfully.
5. Seek encouragement from others (vs. 19-20); (We can gain a lot of encouragement from a friend, brother or sister.
If we can do as Elijah did, we too can overcome discouragement. May the Lord bless us in His service.