Three steps to overcoming depression - All The Word for Today Daily Devotionals for 2026

The Word for Today - Wednesday, January 7, 2026
by Bob and Debby Gass

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Three steps to overcoming depression

1 Kings 19:4 NIV

Elijah got so depressed that he wanted to die. Here is the threefold prescription God gave him for climbing out of his depression:

(1) Refresh yourself. "An angel touched him and said, 'Get up and eat.' He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again" (vv. 5-6 NIV). Elijah was exhausted. He had just fasted for a long time, so his body was weakened. He had also run eighteen miles to deliver the good news of his victory over the pagan prophets, adding to his physical weakness. Adequate rest and a balanced diet can do wonders for your life.

(2) Focus on God. When you take your eyes off God and focus on yourself, you begin to amplify every difficulty you encounter and disregard the One who can solve every problem you have. God told Elijah, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord" (v. 11 NIV). One minister notes, "When God has your ear, He can speak into it. When God has your heart, He can minister to it."

(3) Attend to others. God told Elijah, "Anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha... to succeed you as prophet" (vv. 15-16 NIV). Perhaps you need to find someone to minister to. You're not the only one who has problems; there are people in worse straits than you. If you want to see the haze of depression dissipate, stop looking within and begin looking outward.

Soul food: Lev 11:1-13:37; Luke 1:57-66; Ps 42:6-11; Prov 1:24-28

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