It’s probably safe to say that if you don’t face some battles in your mind, that someone close to you does. There are so many labels that are placed on these battles today. People suffer from anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, PTSD, and so many more. Statistics generally state that about one out of every eight people in the world live, fighting these battles. And even if you would say that you don’t “suffer” in these areas, it is safe to say that everyone deals with them on occasion. There is a battle for the mind that is fought daily.
We see examples of these battles happening all the way back in the Old Testament. In 1 Kings we see the prophet Elijah celebrate some of his highest highs and then turn around and face his lowest low. In chapter 17 we see Elijah depending on God to supply his every need. God actually sends ravens to feed him. After that, Elijah is introduced to a widow who is basically on her last meal, but she shares with Elijah and her food continues to multiply daily. In chapter 18, Elijah faces off with the prophets of Baal and they have a contest to prove which is the true God. Elijah gets to witness God destroy the other prophets and then see God send rain after a long drought. Elijah had to be on a spiritual high.
In chapter 19, he gets a message from Jezebel stating that she is going to find him and kill him by tomorrow.
“Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary bloom tree and prayed he might die. ‘I have had enough Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.’” 1 Kings 19:3-4
Elijah was having a battle in his mind. He had just had so many amazing spiritual victories. He had defeated all the prophets of Baal. And now one woman sends him fleeing for his life and ultimately asking God to let him die. How quickly did he go from emotion to emotion? Elijah had seen God come through in a powerful way. He had seen God meet his daily needs, seen Him defeat major foes, and bring rain after a drought. However, that didn’t make him immune from battles, and when Elijah took his dependence off of God and how He had provided time and time again, he began to suffer.
God didn’t grant Elijah his request. God provided some things that we should take notice of so that when we are battling the same thoughts, we can do this, too. First, God allowed Elijah to rest. Many times, after experiencing great spiritual breakthroughs that involve big emotions, we are exhausted. God allowed Elijah to rest under the broom tree. Then God sent an angel to provide food for Elijah. It was important that Elijah receive physical nourishment. Lastly, God sent Elijah to Mount Sinai, which was a place of spiritual importance for their culture. God spoke to Elijah there in a whisper and reminded him that he was not alone.
Elijah battled his mind and his emotions. God did not look down upon him or shame him or give up on him. No, God provided practical ways to help strengthen Elijah. If you find yourself in the middle of a battle of your mind, know that the same God who met the needs of Elijah will meet you. The same God who stood with Elijah and defeated the prophets of Baal was the same God who saw Elijah under the broom tree and came to meet him there.
Last Updated on September 25, 2025
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