READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l As many as 1 in 7 Singaporeans grapple with mental illness. Both young and old can be afflicted. It is a condition that affects “a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning… often results in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life“ (National Alliance on Mental Illness). As members of the Body of Christ, we need to support each other, particularly those who are suffering from depression and similar ailments.
The speaker shared his authentic and heartfelt testimony of his experience with mental illness. One day, as he finished speaking at an ordination service, he experienced a total loss of energy and will to do anything, He struggled to attend a youth camp as a speaker that night. Following that, he did not enjoy all that he previously did and struggled to sleep well. Depressed and guilty, unable to explain his illness to others, he sought the help of a psychiatrist. He took anti-depression medication, received love, compassion and care from his psychiatrist. After six months of treatment, things got better.
1 Kings 19 presents a classic case of depression. Elijah, who had just witnessed God’s power over the worshippers of Baal, fled in fear of Queen Jezebel. In the desert, depression hit him.
Some symptoms of possible depression
Exhaustion/depression (vs.4) – the feeling of not being able to carry on. Waking up to face a new day is a struggle.
Escapism (vs.3) – whether literally running away (for example to another job) or hiding through other means (such as spending hours on the Internet), the goal is to avoid having to confront the pain of mental illness.
Suicidal thoughts (vs.4) – people want to escape pain rather than wanting to die. Suicide is a way out for them.
Anger/self-righteousness/judgmental spirit (vs. 10,14) – Like Elijah, we may feel self-righteous in thinking we are the only ones faithful to God. Anger may arise at well-meaning friends whose advice results in more pain. What is needed from friends is a listening ear rather than a quick fix to the illness.
Loneliness/alienation (vs.10) – community is needed and yet, those with mental illness do not have the energy to connect with others, leading to a downward spiral.
Fear (vs.3) –the uncertainty of not knowing how long the illness will last. What will the future hold with mental illness?
Sin – in this state of illness, one is more open to temptation and more vulnerable to sin.
So anyone, even the great prophet Elijah, can fall into depression. We need to accept and embrace and walk together with those suffering and not be judgmental.
God’s wholistic treatment and His preventive medicine
Physical (vs. 4-6) – we may have expected a “spiritual fix” from God as a first step. But instead, Elijah ate and slept, followed by more eating and sleeping. This is a reminder that we are made up of body, soul and spirit. As a unified whole, God tells us we need to take care of our bodies.
Emotional (chap. 19) – God listened without interrupting Elijah as he poured out his heart. In articulating our pain, we receive healing. Our listening is a gift to the one who is sharing his pain. Remember the acronym WAIT – Why Am I Talking? Wait before plunging in to give advice.
Spiritual (vs.8) – Elijah has a fresh encounter with God through a still small voice. We can be that channel of God’s still small voice to someone. Accept one another as God accepts us, for He loves us regardless of who we are.
Relational (vs. 19-21) – Elijah is provided with new friends. We need community. There can be loneliness even in a friendly church, for we need deep bonds and friendships. May our church be one which will provide a safe space for broken people. Let us create opportunities where we can meet and talk/listen without any transactional motives.
Vocational (vs. 15-18) – Elijah is assigned new work and given a renewed purpose in life, rounding up God’s wholistic treatment for and preventive measures of depression.
Getting help
Talking to a friend.
Talking to a leader – he/she may be a small group leader or pastor.
Seeing a counsellor – our church has a well-established counselling ministry.
Seeing a psychiatrist – do not be embarrassed to seek medical help.
Look out for spiritual causes – there is now a team approach where deliverers and medical staff work together in healing.
Let this be the start of a conversation on a difficult topic. May we be a healing church and a welcoming community for all.
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Do you know of someone who is struggling with mental illness. How have you tried to help that person?
- Have you struggled with mental illness of some type? How have you sought help?
- How can we as a church help to minimise the occurrence of mental illness?
