Letter From the Editor: Depression and Suicide — “The Journey is Too Great for Thee” (1 Kings 19:7, KJV)

In 1 Kings 19:7 (KJV), an angel of the Lord came to the prophet Elijah and said,  “Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.”

Elijah, God’s mighty prophet, had just won a great battle. But when fear and loneliness hit, he sat under a tree and asked God to take his life. Elijah was depressed—exhausted in body and spirit. And yet, God did not rebuke him. He sent help.

Alt tag: #Letter from the editor’s desk

Let’s look at the reality today:

• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.

• Among teens, suicide has risen by over 30% in the last decade.

• Adults aged 35–64 now make up nearly 50% of all suicides.

• Seniors 75+ have the highest suicide rate by age group.

• Disabled individuals are at higher risk, especially those living with chronic pain, isolation, or financial hardship.
  (Source: CDC, National Institute of Mental Health, 2020–2024)

Causes include:

• Rejection, abuse, neglect, and trauma

• Medical depression and mood disorders like manic depression

• Shame from failures, low self-worth, and broken relationships

• Spiritual dryness and feeling cut off from God and others

Manic depression, now commonly called bipolar disorder, is a mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings—highs (mania) and lows (depression). During lows, some may feel hopeless and want to end their lives. And sadly, many appear fine on the outside.

We are losing young people, parents, grandparents, and neighbors. When someone commits suicide, they are saying, “There is no hope.” But friend, Jesus IS hope—a living, breathing, powerful hope.

What Can We Do When the Journey Feels Too Great?

1. Talk to God First – Even if all you can say is “help.” Psalm 34:18 KJV says,

   “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.”

2. Open Up to Someone Safe – A pastor, counselor, or trusted friend. Elijah spoke to God. We must speak too. Secrets lose power in the light.

3. Get Around the Right People – You need voices of truth, not fear. Church, Christian support groups, and prayer circles are lifelines.

4. Be Honest About Your Feelings – God already knows. Cry if you need to. Admit where it hurts. Healing begins with truth.

5. Do the Little Things – Eat, shower, sleep, read scripture aloud. Elijah’s recovery began with a nap and a meal. Small steps matter.

6. Speak Life, Even if You Don’t Feel It Yet – Try:

   • “Jesus loves me.”

   • “I shall not die, but live” (Psalm 118:17 KJV).

   • “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23 KJV).

7. Remember: Jesus is Able.

   • He overcame death (John 11:25 KJV)

   • He lifts the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1 KJV)

   • He gives rest to weary souls(Matthew 11:28 KJV)

An elderly sister in Christ once stood before a room of people and wept. She said, “I wish we talked to each other more. Our young people are suffering. They don’t have guidance, and they don’t know Jesus.” Her words stayed with me. This is one of tghe reasons I write this blog and publish on social media. To reach all sisters and brothers who are not exposed to Our Living Hope in Jesus Christ because we need salvation, protection, wisdom and guidance in righteousness. 

So let’s talk.  Let’s have those conversations.  Let’s lift one another up in the Lord. The Church must be a safe place—not just to worship but to weep, to confess, to heal.

alt tag: Pray

Final Encouragement

You are not your illness, your past, or your mistakes. You are God’s child, and He is not done with you. Jesus is our Living Hope. Let Him carry what you cannot.

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

If the journey feels too great, know this: God sends help. Sometimes it comes through a scripture, a phone call, a prayer, or this letter.  It can come from self-reflection of journaling guided by the bible and prayer.  

Reflection Question:

Have you reached out to God or someone safe when you felt hopeless—or have you been hiding your pain?

With grace and truth, May Our Living Hope in Jesus Christ Finds You Faithful

Editor, Daily Scripture Explained

Keywords: depression, suicide prevention, hope in Jesus, Elijah depression story, 1 Kings 19:7, manic depression, mental health and faith, Christian counseling, talk to someone, Jesus is our hope

Hashtags: #DepressionHelp #JesusIsHope #ElijahsJourney #MentalHealthMatters #ChristianCounseling #YouAreNotAlone #SuicidePrevention #FaithOverFear #dailyscriptureexplained, #LivingHope