How to get back up (2) 

‘Stand…in the presence of the LORD.’ - 1 Kings 19:11 NIV 

 When Elijah reached his lowest point, God told him two things: 1) ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord.’ He helped Elijah to stop thinking about himself and his problems and start thinking about God. When God has your ear, He can speak into it. When He has your heart, He can minister to it. That’s why Scripture reading is so important. If life is dragging you down and you’re ready to stand back up, climb into God’s Word, claim His promises, ask for His help, and talk plainly to Him. 2) ‘Anoint Elisha…to succeed you as prophet’ (v. 16 NIV 2011 Edition). Take the focus off yourself and look for someone to minister to. There are many people who are also struggling with problems and worries. They need someone like you to come alongside them, and, if nothing else, let them know you can relate to how they feel. They need someone like you to minister to them, to encourage them. If you want to see the fog of discouragement lifted, stop looking in the mirror and start looking out the window. The famous psychiatrist Karl Menninger was asked, ‘What would you advise a person to do who is experiencing depression and unhappiness?’ He replied, ‘Lock the door behind you. Go across the street. Find somebody who has a need and do something to help them.’ It’s so simple, yet we keep missing it! The truth is – by helping others you help yourself. 

Prayer Point: Ask God to show you someone who you can get alongside and help.

Acknowledgements: Merritt, James, Still Standing: 8 Winning Strategies for Facing Tough Times, (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2012), 48, 49.