HOW TO GET BACK UP (2)

“Stand…in the presence of the Lord.” 1Ki 19:11 NIV

When Elijah reached his lowest point, God told him two things: (1) “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord.” He helped Elijah to stop thinking about himself and his problems and start thinking about God. When God has your ear, He can speak into it. When He has your heart, He can minister to it. That’s why Scripture reading is so important. If life is dragging you down and you’re ready to stand back up, climb into God’s Word, claim His promises, ask for His help, and talk plainly to Him. (2) “Anoint Elisha…to succeed you as prophet” (v. 16 NIV). Take the focus off yourself and look for someone to minister to. You’re not the only one in the world who has problems; there are people worse off than you are. They need someone like you to come alongside them, and, if nothing else, let them know you can relate to how they feel. They need someone like you to minister to them, to encourage them. If you want to see the fog of depression lift, quit looking in the mirror and start looking out the window. The famous psychiatrist Karl Menninger was asked, “What would you advise a person who is experiencing depression and unhappiness to do?” He replied, “Lock the door behind you. Go across the street. Find somebody who has a need and do something to help them.” It’s so simple, yet we keep missing it! The truth is—by helping others you help yourself.

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