439: When Even the Strongest Feel Discouraged: Elijah and Depression

Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me on The Encouraging Word Podcast. This week we explore depression through the story of Elijah, reminding us that even the strongest among us can experience seasons of deep discouragement. He reminds us that we don’t have to walk through those seasons alone, and that seeking help can be an important part of the healing process. My hope is that this episode reminds you that God meets us with hope, compassion, and purpose—even in our darkest moments.

Hi, friend. I hope you're doing well today. This week on the podcast, we're encouraged to remember that God’s promises are greater than our circumstances. Elijah’s faith and prayers during a time of drought encourage us to trust God, listen for His voice, and believe His promises even before we see them fulfilled.   Through Elijah’s story, we’re reminded that seasons of drought are temporary, but God’s promises are eternal. When we humble ourselves, pray, and trust Him, we can have hope in His faithfulness and confidence that He will fulfill what He has promised.

Hello, friend. In This Encouraging Word, Max Lucado takes us to Elijah’s showdown on Mount Carmel, where God reveals His power and reminds His people that He alone is Lord. Through Elijah’s story, we’re reminded that spiritual battles are real, worship matters, and faith calls us to stand firm in God’s truth. This episode also points us toward the ultimate victory of Christ and encourages us to trust God’s power in every battle we face.

Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me on The Encouraging Word Podcast. In this message, we continue our study of Elijah and the showdown on Mount Carmel, where God exposes the emptiness of Baal and reminds us that He alone is Lord. If you have ever felt pulled between two loyalties, or wondered whether God can really come through in a hard place, this episode will encourage you to stand firm and gaze at Christ.

Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me on The Encouraging Word Podcast. This week we continue our discussion on the life of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. We’re talking about what to do when God gives you a calling, but you don’t yet have the provision - or know where it will come from. You’ll see how Elijah and a nameless widow both discovered that the God who calls also supplies, right on time, in just the amount needed.

Preview Max’s new audiobook, Unbreakable Courage, exclusively for podcast listeners!  One of the most remarkable things about Elijah’s life was the end—he didn’t die. God took him to up heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah knew what was coming, but until that moment, he went about his work. He ministered, he served. He showed us how to face our final days with faith. Elijah’s exit from this world reminds us that God oversees every aspect of our lives, including the end. Those who live on the promises on the God die with unshakeable hope in the life to come.  Learn more at MaxLucado.com/UnbreakableCourage

Hello, friend. Thanks for joining me on The Encouraging Word Podcast. This week we’re beginning a new series studying the life of Elijah. His steadfast faith in a chaotic world offers great hope in these topsy-turvy days. I hope you’ll come back for the next several episodes to hear more about this wild, wooly Old Testament prophet and all the ways his story can encourage us today.

Preview Max’s new audiobook, Unbreakable Courage, exclusively for podcast listeners!  Listen as Max introduces the story of Elijah the prophet, a resolved, faithful servant of God, immovable despite tremendous challenge. You face great challenge in your life too; we all do. So what can you learn from Elijah? Faith can overcome unbelief. Impossible prayers are heard. You can have unbreakable courage in a world of chaos.  Learn more at MaxLucado.com/UnbreakableCourage 

Hi, friend. Thanks for joining me for another Encouraging Word. We live in a world where truth is relative, where people are more concerned with “my truth” or “your truth.” It’s a modern philosophy, a political or business strategy, an approach to relationships. We build narratives to fit our agenda. But that’s not just sin, it’s dishonesty, and it doesn’t meet God’s standard. 

Hello, my friend. I hope you’re having a good day. Did you know God has a goal for you? It’s not that you would preach to millions, or cure diseases, or end wars. God’s goal for you is to think and act like Jesus. That starts in your brain, with what you allow your mind to entertain. So when you think more like Jesus, you begin to act more like Jesus. And then who knows what you might accomplish!