O Lord, Take Away My Life

By Ted Mock

March 11, 2026

1 Kings 19:2-4 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. 3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

If you have ever known someone with depression, you would recognize the classic signs in Elijiah.  The passage reads like a textbook on the subject.  Depression is formally described as follows:

    • Persistent sadness, and anxiousness or “empty mood”.

    • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities.

    • Irritability, frustration, or restlessness.

    • Feelings of guilt or helplessness.

    • Thoughts of death or suicide.

    • Physical symptoms of fatigue, loss of energy, change of appetite, weight gain or loss.

    • Social withdrawal, isolation from friends and family.

The treatment the Lord offered was not what the modern doctors prescribe for depression today.  God does not mask the symptoms with drugs. He uses no psychotherapy, brain stimulation therapies, or lifestyle changes.  God prescribed rest, plenty of it, and refreshment of food.  After Elijah was re-energized, God assured the prophet of His patience with him, and of His constant presence.  

Most importantly, God revived his servant’s spirit with a fresh assignment.  He sends Elijah to mount Horeb, the place where God spoke to Moses in Exodus 33.  On the same mountain,  Elijah receives a new mission from the Lord, and that new purpose was the final cure for the prophet’s depression.  

Reflection—If in your service to the Lord, you get depressed, take the right cure.