Of all the stories in the Bible, the one I like the most is the story of Elijah. Elijah was a prophet of God who spoke God’s message when Ahab was king of Israel. Ahab was an evil king and even referred to Elijah as “you troubler of Israel.” (1 Kings 18:17). Elijah let Ahab know he was the one causing the problem, not Elijah. He then called the people together and told them to make a choice. Either choose the Lord or Baal, but don’t try to please both. A challenge was made and the false prophets were put to death. What a huge victory for God. What a great moment for Elijah. But when Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, heard what had happened, she let Elijah know he would be like them—dead. Elijah ran. Elijah is ready to die. But did he not just win a huge victory? Why is he ready to die? Elijah felt like he was all alone. He would tell God, “And I alone am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:10). Elijah was depressed. Have you ever been there? Perhaps a better question would be, “How long has it been since you were depressed?” This time of year causes some people to experience depression in their lives. This year there are some who will be alone for the first time in many years. Their mate has passed away. It just doesn’t seem like Christmas with them gone. Others are hurting so financially that they are depressed. They do not have any money for presents. It may be different things for different people. Elijah felt like he was the only one who was serving God. He felt all alone. But his feelings betrayed him as ours do also. God let him know there were 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed down to Baal. He then gave Elijah some assignments to carry out, which he did. God used him in a big way just as he will use you if you’ll let Him. Elijah was perhaps the greatest of the prophets. After serving God a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared. Elijah was taken up into heaven in a whirlwind. What a great prophet Elijah was. He was a man who experienced great victory on one hand and crushing defeat on the other. He was so defeated he wanted to just die and end it all. God has a great plan for Elijah and he does for you. Don’t let depression spoil your day or week. Trust in God to succeed. If you do, you’ll be the victor.