Was Elijah suicidal?

Okaaaay! Welcome to the Yielded Center. I love you. My name is Vanessa, which means butterfly 🦋 that’s how I fly into people’s hearts daily and refuse to leave (LOL).

Newsflash , I’m an author hehe! My book came out yesterday and I’m so excited! Yesterday, God reminded me of all those years I was writing for the shelf, writing so much but never quite breaking through as an author, even though it’s been my greatest desire. This year, I self-published two books. Then God said to me, “You have broken a threshold. You have broken the limitation.” And I was like, “Wow! I didn’t even realise it!” The enemy tried to stop me before but I’ve punched him in the face twice! 💥

I’m sharing this to remind you: sometimes the prayer you prayed yesterday has already birthed something new you just haven’t seen it yet. Give it a few days or weeks, and you’ll know. Anyway, go buy the book it’s only R180 . “That’s too expensive!” Some will say? Well, I’ve learned something: what one person says is expensive to buy from you, they have bought the same thing from someone else for the same price or more. It’s not the price, it’s you. It’s not the product , it’s who is selling it. Now, let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind…

I was reading a message one of the ladies I know wrote yesterday, and it got me thinking deeply about the mental health crisis in the church something we’ve merely brushed off with phrases like, “You’re being too dramatic,” or “Just leave this depression talk; you’re just sad for no reason.”

Now, I’m not saying this because I’m a counsellor. I’m saying this because I’ve spoken to people who, without a doubt, were depressed and even suicidal, yet they couldn’t find a safe place of expression. Why? Because they feared being judged as weak believers people who “don’t take the things of God seriously.” But here’s the truth: we have no idea what people are going through in their homes. Behind every smile could be a battle, a silent cry, a heart hanging by a thread.

Does the Bible talk about depression? Nah. Not in those exact words. But when you read closely, you’ll meet people who, by all accounts, were discouraged, suicidal, worried, stressed, and completely disconnected from joy. One of them was Prophet Elijah. He literally says, “I’ve had enough, Lord. Take my life.” (1 Kings 19:4) Wait, what? You’re a prophet talking like that? I thought people in ministry don’t go through such things!

Jokes on you. 😅

Elijah had just come from a mighty victory he’d called down fire from heaven, embarrassed the prophets of Baal, and witnessed God’s power firsthand. Yet right after that, he wanted to die. It makes you pause and ask, “How can someone feel so low right after a big win?” After a conference? My people, you know the answer.

Before I became a counsellor, I still spoke to many people. Looking back, I realised I was too tough on them, and I’m truly sorry. I was very hard on some people. I’d say things like, “You need to get up! Nobody is coming to save you. Don’t remain weak!” And I meant well, but I was wrong in how I approached it. It took me actually studying and gaining understanding to realise something important:

If you’re not well-informed about a situation truly informed then please, keep your advice to yourself. Don’t go around counselling people just because you have a few “wise words.” Don’t try to explain situations that are beyond your enlightenment. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply listen and offer prayer. Why? Because many times, without realising it, we’ve added to someone’s depression. Now, am I saying we should entertain the spirit of depression because yes, it is a spirit? NO! I’m saying we must first acknowledge that it’s there, and then find a way to pull people out of that pit with a gentle hand.

Prophet Elijah, Why are you suddenly speaking of death? Don’t you want to run the race anymore? You don’t want to minister to people anymore? Why?Why are you now talking about sitting down while others serve? Are you okay? Why don’t you show up joyfully like before? What’s on your mind, dear prophet? I thought you were fine just by looking at you but it seems you’re not. Prophet Elijah, why is your best option to die? Can’t you at least say, “Lord, strengthen me”?

Ah, people of God sometimes we don’t even know how to pray because we are so overwhelmed. I see you, and I understand. And most times, you’re alone, because even those around you are wondering: How can a prophet be asking for death?An apostle? Someone everyone looks up to? God forbid! But my people, it’s there. It happens. And I want us to be very careful about how we handle such people. Again, it’s better to offer prayer than to speak rashly about what you don’t understand.

Your friend says they’re suicidal, and you reply, “You’re ungrateful, you have food at home!” Can you just shush for a moment and listen more carefully? Because if you listen long enough, you’ll find a line or two a clue that leads you to the real problem. I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again I’m sorry. I did not handle some cases well because, truth is, I just didn’t know.

There’s a difference between advice from someone who cares for you as a friend and advice from someone who has actually studied mental health. And I’m not saying this to sound like I know it all. I’m simply drawing a contrast between the me who used to advise and the me who now counsels. Two completely different people. Why? Because now, I can listen to you and actually discern what the real matter is. By the way Elijah just needed food and strength.

And maybe a good trip, because right after that, he travelled for forty days. 😅 Sometimes, that’s all you need too a hug and a little money. I just came on here to tell you this: The same God who saw Elijah’s sadness and helped him up has seen you, too. And He will lift you up. I love you, and see you tomorrow.

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