We will all have times in our lives when we are driven to despair. Sometimes, life circumstances leave us feeling disillusioned and completely hopeless, and other times, depression sneaks up on us unexpectedly, turning our worlds upside down. Even on our darkest days, there is always hope. Today, we will see how the Old Testament prophet Elijah found hope during some of his darkest days and learn that we, too, can hold on to hope during our difficulties.
Who is someone you admire who clung to Christ and their faith during a difficult time?
1. Read 1 Kings 19:1-4. Summarize Elijah’s feelings during this time.
1 Kings 19:1-4
1 When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. 2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”
1 When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. 2 So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.”
3 Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”
2. Read 1 Kings 19:5-9. How did God provide for Elijah as he walked through these moments of despair?
1 Kings 19:5-9
5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” 6 He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 9 There he came to a cave, where he spent the night.
3. Read 1 Kings 19:9-18. How did God reveal Himself to Elijah?
1 Kings 19:9-18
9But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 15 Then the Lord told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. 17 Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! 18 Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!”
4. Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. How did Paul find hope during his difficult times?
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
1. Has there been a time in your life (maybe it's now) when you can relate to Elijah's despair and even depression? How did God meet you during that time?
2. God was in the "gentle whisper" as He spoke and revealed Himself to Elijah. How might God still be in the "gentle whisper" today?
3. What situation are you facing today where you need hope? How does the Scripture we studied today bring you hope?
Elijah turned to God in the middle of his desperation and despair. We, too, can turn to God when we face difficulties and hardship. You have all shared areas where you need hope. Take some time now to pray as a group for each situation where you need hope. Bring your hardships and heartaches to God. Commit to praying for each other throughout the week.
When we feel depressed and in despair, we are not without hope. We know God is working. He has also given us tools to turn to when we feel depressed, hopeless, and in despair. Let's take a few minutes to see what action steps Scripture invites us to take when we are facing difficult, hopeless times.
God has always provided and taken care of us. In fact, our lives consist of a record log of provision after provision from God. The question is, have we recognized God's provision for us? During times of depression and despair, we can remind ourselves of how God has cared for us in the past and look forward to how God will care for us in the future.
1. Read Psalm 77:1-14.
Psalm 77:1-14
1 I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! 2 When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. 3 I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. 4 You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray! 5 I think of the good old days, long since ended, 6 when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. 7 Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? 8 Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion? 10 And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” 11 But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. 12 They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. 13 O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? 14 You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.
2. Contrast the Psalmist’s attitude at the beginning of this passage of Scripture versus the end.
3. What changed the Psalmist’s attitude?
4. How has God been faithful to you this week? How does His past faithfulness impact your trust in Him today?
Sometimes in life, we need encouragement from the people around us. We need people to tell us to keep going when we feel like giving up. We need people to help strengthen us and support us. Knowing this, God has given us the gift of Christian community to turn to when we are struggling. In turn, we can help others when they need our support and encouragement.
1. Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
2. What is the benefit of living life alongside other people, according to this passage of Scripture?
3. How does community help us during moments of desperation and depression?
4. Who has God placed in your life to live life alongside to strengthen and encourage each other?
Finally, we can turn to Scripture when we feel hopeless and in despair. Scripture reminds us of God's promises when we need them. Scripture calls us to look to the hope of eternity with Christ when all we can see are our present struggles.
1. Read Psalm 119:105.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
2. How does this passage of Scripture describe God’s word?
3. How does God’s word bring hope in times of difficulty and depression?
4. How has your time studying God’s word impacted your life?
Which of these three steps will you take when you face times of depression and hardship? What area would you like to grow in this week? Share that area with your group, along with one step you will take to grow in that area. After everyone has shared, pray together. Ask God to help each one of you as you seek to find hope in the midst of the trials that life brings.
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