Ministerial Memos

The Elijah Syndrome

After a great victory, depression often sets in. I’m calling it the “Elijah Syndrome.” You remember that this great, Godly prophet took to fleeing Queen Jezebel after having defeated the 400 prophets of Baal, causing the end of a terrible famine (with prayer and faith) and out-racing the kings chariots. One would assume that he would stay on cloud 9 thinking that he is invincible after all of this. But her words were enough for him to run and hide.

I think there are several reasons for this when it happens to us. First, a personal or spiritual high is just that. Hard to go higher than where you are. So, emotionally you are set-up for a potential crash. Secondly, despite the attempt to give God all the glory, we tend to sneak some for ourselves. We feel good about what happened. Nothing wrong with that. But when even some of the praise goes to us, be ready for a letdown. Finally, I think God allows this to happen so that we will not get a big head, think we are invincible and feel we can do it on our own. We need to be knocked down a few pegs. Let’s face it, we are NOTHING without Him! Amen? Amen!

Suggestion: realize the reality of the “Elijah Syndrome” and brace yourself. Understand why you may be in the dumps and work your way out of it through prayer and dependence on God.

May God grant you many, many highs. May you work thru the resulting lows. Finally, may you learn to stay on an even keel, but not at the expense of rejoicing at the victories.