As a Christian, I felt guilty about my mental health challenges throughout nursing school. However, I’ve found solace in the story of the Old Testament prophet, Elijah. Elijah had plenty of experiences in seeing God's power directly, such as when he asked God to provide unlimited cooking oil to a destitute widow during a famine. Later, through God's power, Elijah revived the widow's son when he had died (1 Kings 17). Elijah exhibited great faith in God; he reprimanded the pagan King Ahab's prophets for worshiping idols and demonstrated God's power to those who didn’t believe (1 Kings 18). And yet, even with Elijah's momentous experiences of God's presence and sovereignty, he ran in fear when Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him (1 Kings 19:2).
Elijah's experiences remind me that I can grapple with heavy emotions even in the presence of divine blessings. When facing mental health challenges, I don’t need to be ashamed. Elijah expressed suicidal thoughts to God: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers” (1 Kings 19:4, KJV). God didn’t shame him or question his faith; he didn’t ask, “You witnessed all these good things I have done; why are you giving up?” Instead, God took care of him.
First Kings 19 shows seven biblical ways to deal with our mental health challenges.
- Rest. Elijah sought refuge under a tree and slept (v. 4).
- Let others take care of you. It’s difficult to care for ourselves when we’re in the middle of mental health challenges. God sent an angel to care for Elijah (v. 5); he can bring people to care for us, too.
- Eat and drink. God provided food and water for Elijah as he rested (v. 6-8).
- Take your time. God wisely knows how much care and time we need. He’s patient and gives us strength as he discerns the state of our hearts and minds (v. 7).
- Read your Bible. We must also feed our souls and spirits. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (KJV).
- Talk to God. God knew exactly what in Elijah's mind. Yet, he asked Elijah, “What are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:9). Even though God knows everything, he wants us to come to him in prayer. Talking to God helps us process our emotions and release our burdens. Elijah expressed fear, anger, bitterness, and loneliness to God (v. 10, 14). In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us to come to him when we’re weary and overburdened, and he promises us rest.
- Remember--you’re not alone. Sometimes we want God to show himself to us in a big, dramatic way. God made himself known to Elijah in a “still small voice” (v. 12, KJV). If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior, the Holy Spirit is within you and will always be with you. The prophet Zechariah recorded God's words of how he works for our good: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit” (Zechariah 4:6, KJV).
At the end of 1 Kings 19, God reassured Elijah that he wasn’t alone. Once Elijah was ready, God directed him to his next task, reminding him of his purpose as God's servant. In directing him to seek out Elisha as the next prophet, God gave Elijah a companion as he completed his ministry.
We’re human—God knows this. We can’t be perfect. Thus, as we follow our calling as nurses, it’s essential to seek, inquire of, listen to, and obey God. Like Elijah, we have a secure place of refuge and a worthy spiritual counselor as we navigate life's challenges.
Annika Daphne Bilog, BSN, RN, PCCN, a critical care nurse pursuing her PhD in nursing, is passionate about fostering mental health.
This post is excerpted by Annika’s Student TXT article in the July/Sept 2024 Journal of Christian Nursing. The JCN editors welcome articles from nursing students and practicing nurses.
