No More Self-HateSample

God’s Word gives us a perfect example of how comparison can compound our self-loathing.

In I Kings 18, the prophet Elijah sees a tremendous victory over the false prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, which ends in God dramatically sending fire from heaven, and Elijah later slaughtering the prophets of Baal. Later, in that same chapter, we see the prophet Elijah laboring in prayer with his head between his knees and God bringing an end to a drought that had plagued the nation.

Upon hearing of Elijah’s victories, the wicked King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, threatens Elijah’s life in the very next chapter (1 Kings 19). He is as good as dead!

In response, the great prophet Elijah runs for his life and falls into a deep depression. Please pay close attention to Elijah’s prayer in 1 Kings 19:4b, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

Can’t you sometimes relate to this level of despair? Notice what Elijah says in the latter part of verse four, “for I am no better than my fathers.” Not only is Elijah on the run! Not only does he hate his life! Elijah is depressed and wishes for death, and he compounds all of that misery by comparing himself to his forefathers.

Instead of seeing the great work that God has done before Jezebel’s threat, Elijah summarily decides that he is a failure, like many of the prophets of old had been.

Remember, God had just used Elijah to rain fire from heaven and end a drought, yet Elijah compares himself to his forefathers! The outcome is more self-loathing and misery.

But I love how God deals with this struggling Elijah. God does NOT grant his request to die. Instead, He lets Elijah sleep for a while; then, He sends an angel with hot bread and water. Then God allows the weary prophet to sleep a bit longer, and again he sends the angel with hot food and water.

God is so faithful, tender, and kind. First, God deals with Elijah’s immediate physical needs. Never underestimate the power of a nap and a snack! Then, God begins to speak to Elijah IN that STILL SMALL VOICE. He reminds him that He is not finished with Elijah yet. There is work to do. God helps shift Elijah’s focus from himself and his forefathers and back on to God and ministry!

God is reaffirming His great love and significant purpose for Elijah! Herein lies the real solution to self-hate y’all!

The solution to self-hate is God’s great love and care for us.