Renewing the Mind | Week 02
RESTORING THE WHOLE PERSON
Week’s Passage : 1Kings 19
inTro: A Depressed Prophet
The Bible openly addresses the struggles of its heroes, including mental health challenges. Elijah, a significant prophet in Israel’s history, experienced a dramatic shift from his great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) to deep despair and fear (1 Kings 19), even wishing for death. This raw depiction of Elijah’s journey shows that even the most faithful can face depression. Yet, God’s compassion toward Elijah offers hope, reminding us that He understands our struggles and can lift us from our darkest moments. Elijah’s story assures us that no one is beyond God’s care or ability to use.
inGest: Mind-Body Connection
After his victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah fell into fear and despair, fleeing for his life (1 Kings 19:3-4). God addressed his physical needs first—providing food, rest, and care—before restoring him emotionally and spiritually (1 Kings 19:5-8). Patiently, God guided Elijah back to service, showing that healing the mind begins with healing the body.
inTerpret: Out of Balance
Elijah’s healing began with rest, healthy food, and time away, but many of us struggle with poor habits like sleep deprivation, unhealthy diets, and lack of exercise. Technology and social media often add stress and distractions, leading to emotional and mental strain. To regain balance, we should limit media use, schedule tech-free times, and engage in healthy, enjoyable activities like exercise or creativity. By reducing noise and distractions, we can better hear God’s still, small voice, as Elijah did (1 Kings 19:12).
inVite: Creating the Right Conditions
God desires our mental and physical well-being. Jesus emphasized rest, nourishment, and connection (Matt. 14:20; Mark 6:31). Dr. Lustig’s “four Cs” for mental health are:
- Connect: Spend meaningful time with others and God.
- Contribute: Serve and help others.
- Cope: Rest, manage stress, and enjoy life’s simple joys.
- Cook: Share healthy meals, focusing on a plant-based diet.
By adopting these habits, we honor God’s design and allow Him to renew our minds (Rom. 12:1).
inSight: Never Forsaken
Hope, faith, and courage are vital for serving God, who strengthens and sustains His servants in trials. Elijah’s story shows God’s constant care, even in despair, as He sent an angel to provide for him (1 Kings 19).
Ellen G. White emphasizes that a healthy brain, essential for overall well-being, depends on pure blood, which comes from good eating and drinking habits.
inQuire
What steps did God take to restore Elijah from his state of total despair?
How can we become more sensitive to hearing the quiet, whispering voice of God?
What are the consequences of diet on mental health (Dan. 1:5–20)?
What are the greatest challenges to keeping our lives, schedules, and habits in good balance (proper sleep, nutrition, exercise, etc.)? What solutions do you suggest?
What are some healthy boundaries for technology use?
