Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No', 'No'. (Mt 5:37)
07/01/2008 15:18 PST updated
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Thursday, July 3, 2008
Rev. Steve J. Choi
Pastor of English Ministry
Sarang Community
Stevejchoi@sarang.com

I just graduated from college and I am having some problems. I am very lonely and feel depressed. I was so used to having people around me during my college years. Now all my friends are busy and I spend a lot of time alone. Help!


I know exactly what you are talking about. It is called "entering the real world." Everyone gets down and lonely once in a while. Let me share with you a story of another person who was depressed and how God restored him. His name was Elijah and his story is mentioned in 1 Kings 19. It was so bad he was temporarily suicidal. He asks God to take his life (19:4). We can learn a several important lessons from Elijah's restoration.


 

I know exactly what you are talking about. It is called "entering the real world." Everyone gets down and lonely once in a while. Let me share with you a story of another person who was depressed and how God restored him. His name was Elijah and his story is mentioned in 1 Kings 19. It was so bad he was temporarily suicidal. He asks God to take his life (19:4). We can learn a several important lessons from Elijah's restoration.

1. Remember even the greatest of men/women can get down.
A. Elijah was a great prophet who did wondrous deeds for God. In chapter 18 he even witnessed the fire of God consuming the false prophets of Baal. This is happens to the best of us!

2. We need to care for our bodies.
A. The first thing Elijah did was sleep (19:5). Remember that the soul, mind and body are all inter twined. Ever been grumpy when your body is tired? Studies have shown the average person needs about 8 hours a day. Turn off the phone or pager and get some sleep. Secondly, eat regular and eat well. We see the first "angel food cake" (19:6-7). God sends an angel to feed him. A healthy body will usually produce a healthy attitude.

3. We need to nourish our souls with the word of God.
A. After getting physically nourished, the word of the LORD can to him (19:9). Just like food, we need a regular diet of God's word. Reading, meditating and hearing the word of God is essential. Remember what Jesus said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

4. We need fellowship. Remember that you are not alone.
A. Elijah though that he was the only one in the land who was faithful to God (19:14b). God reminds him that he is not alone but there are seven thousand others who did not bow down to Baal (19:18). This is what Church is for. As soon as you begin to share you will be amazed how many people are going through your struggles. If you haven't already get involved at a church and ask God to bring people in your life. This will be great source of strength.

 

 

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