Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

December 26
Friday


HE CAN LEAD
YOU OUT OF IT

READ:
1 Kings 19:1-12
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After the earthquake a
fire, but the LORD was
not in the fire; and after
the fire; a still small
voice. __1 Kings 19:12
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Almost everyone will at some time in their life be affected by depression, either their own or someone else's. Some common signs and symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, worthlessness, and helplessness. Although we cannot say for certain that characters in the bible experienced depression, we can say that some did exhibit a deep sense of despondency, discouragement, and sadness that is linked to personal powerlessness and loss of meaning and enthusiasm for life.

Elijah is one biblical character who fits this description. After defeating the prophets of Baal, he received a death threat from Jezebel. His hope was shattered, and despondency set in. He wanted to die! God helped Elijah deal with his despondency in several ways. The Lord did not rebuke him for his feelings but sent an angel to provide for his physical needs. Then, the Lord revealed Himself and reminded Elijah that He was quietly working among His people. Next, He renewed Elijah's mission by giving him new orders. Finally, God reminded Elijah that he wasn't alone.

In our times of discouraging, let us remember that God loves us and deisres to lead us to aplace of a renewed vision of Himself!
__Marvin Williams
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````````````````Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;```````````
`````````````````Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;```````````
`````````````````Leave to thy God to order and provide;```````````
```````````In every change He faithful will remain. __Von Schlegel````
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The weak, the helpless, and the discouraged
are in the Shepherd's special care.

**************Today's Bible Reading __1 Kings 19:1-12************

And Ahab told Jezebel all
that Elijah had done, also
how he had executed all the
prophets with sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a
messenger to Elijah, saying,
"So let the gods do to me,
and more also. If I do not
make your life as the life of
one of them by tomorrow
about this time."

3 And... he arose and ran
for his life.... 4 And he
prayed that he might die, and
said, "It is enough! Now,
LORD, take my life, for I am
no better than my fathers!"

5 Then... an angel touched
him, and said to him, "Arise
and eat." 6 Then he looked,
and there by his head was a
cake baked on coals, and a
jar of water. So he ate and
drank, and lay down again.

7 And the angel of the LORD
came back the second time,
and touched him, and said,
"Arise and eat, because the
journey is too great for you."

8 So he arose, and ate and
drank; and he went in the
strength of that food forty
days and forty nights as far
as Horeb, the mountain of
God. 9 And there he went
into a cave, and spent the
night in that place; and
behold, the word of the LORD
came to him, and He said to
him, "What are you doing
here, Elijah?"

10 So he said, "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."

11 Then He said, "Go out,
and stand on the mountain
before the LORD." And
behold, the LORD passed by,
and a great and strong wind
tore into the mountains...
but the LORD was not in the
wind; and after the wind an
earthquake, but the LORD
was not in the earthquake;

12 and after the earthquake a
fire, but the LORD was not in
the fire; and after the fire a
still small voice.