"It is Enough" I Kings 19:4 I. Introduction. A. Despondency can affect the life/thinking of any person. B. All people have such at different times of life. C. Have you ever felt alone in a crowd? D. Or said, "Why did the Lord do this to me?" E. It is not unusual to say, "It is enough!" II. Body. A. Such occurred to a prophet of God: I Kings 19:4. 1. Elijah was fearful for his life. 2. He thought he was the only one who was respecting the ways of God. 3. The powers that be were seeking to kill him. a. Elijah had slain 400 prophets of Baal; he flees from the threats of a wicked woman. b. In his loneliness he asks to that he might die. 4. He was alone in a lonely place. 5. His was the language of disappointment, "It is enough." 6. Elijah was: James 5:17. 7. "What doest thou here?" could be a call to his conscience. B. Yet, for Elijah, he had the Lord and the Lord took care of him. 1. He fed him enough to make it to Mt. Horeb(40 days and 40 nights). 2. The prophet was still despondent: I Kings 19:10. 3. The Lord demonstrates his power to Elijah--yet--Elijah is still depressed: I Kings 19:14. a. The Lord assured him there were other faithful souls (which is the case). (1 Elijah needed the company of the faithful. (2 God made allowances for Elijah's frailties. b. How comforting to know that 7000 were not idolaters. c. Under the Juniper tree, Elijah felt his life was fruitless; he had failed in his mission and had nothing to live for. (1 As Elijah realized what was happening around him, his works and words seemed to be in vain. (2 Nothing seems to have changed: he is still having to flee from his enemies. d. It certainly helps a human to have others support one in a time of despair and loneliness. e. Elijah finds a helper: I Kings 19:19-21. f. All hope is not lost--someone is willing to do what needs to be done. g. Elijah called on a busy man to help him. (1 He found Elisha plowing in the field. (2 Activity of others can keep down despair and despondency. C. Paul's experience: II Timothy 4:16. 1. Paul knew: II Timothy 4:17-18. 2. The apostle put his trust in God and let nothing rob him of the joy of serving the Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth. D. Remember Jonah? Jonah 4:3. 1. Jonah did not deal well with his feelings. 2. Recall his anger? 3. All hope was not lost for Jonah: God still cared--not only for Jonah, but for 60,000 other souls. E. The Psalmist assurance: Psalms 118:6. 1. God has always been on the side of righteous men. 2. And yet--righteous men have human feelings and failings. 3. While it would be wonderful if everything was rosy and one had no problems--but it ain't gonna be! 4. Hence: Job 14:1. F. Lessons to remember: 1. Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, and Paul were men--just as you and I. a. Elijah had to ask for guidance.(He poured out his weariness with life). b. One victory is won, there is another to be faced. 2. One can be elated one day; depressed the next. 3. There are many caves to hide in; eventually one must face life. a. One cannot remain in a "safe" place all the time and accomplish the work of a disciple. b. When one loses hope, he loses faith. 4. Loneliness and isolation can be a test of one's faith. It is difficult to carry on alone. 5. There is always a remnant. G. There are many influences that bring on depression: Disappointment in others, weariness of life, disgust at conditions one must face, a sense of not being able to change anything, doubts as to one's ability to solve a problem, etc. H. Helps in dealing with depression: 1. Remember that all people are human. 2. God is aware of all that is happening. 3. Learn to depend upon the Lord. 4. When humans disappoint you, you can turn to God's word and address him in prayer. 5. Strengthen the faith you have in the Lord. 6. Let other Christians help you: I Thessalonians 5:14. 7. God will not fail to supply the needs of His children: Matthew 6:33. 8. And...there is something better later on: Hebrews 11:39-40. III. Conclusion. A. Realize that one's labor is not in vain: I Corinthians 15:58. B. What God promises: Matthew 25:21.-jy