Coping with the ‘Slough of Despond’

In this message, Chuck Swindoll addresses the universal struggle of discouragement, using the life of the prophet Elijah to illustrate how even the most spiritual leaders can fall into the "Slough of Despond." Referencing an ancient Greek proverb, "You will break the bow if you keep it always bent," Swindoll explores how Elijah, fresh from a monumental victory on Mount Carmel, snapped under pressure and fled into the wilderness wishing for death. Swindoll analyzes the specific causes of Elijah's collapse in 1 Kings 19, identifying five factors: unrealistic thinking regarding Jezebel's threat, isolation from supportive relationships, the emotional vulnerability that follows great victories ("Blue Mondays"), physical exhaustion, and succumbing to self-pity [13–16]. The sermon highlights God’s gentle therapy for His burnt-out servant. Rather than rebuking Elijah for his lack of faith, God first provided physical restoration through sleep and food. He then communicated in a "gentle whisper" rather than a dramatic earthquake or fire, and finally, He provided a human companion, Elisha, to alleviate Elijah’s loneliness [17–25]. Swindoll concludes with a moving story about "Mom Jean," a woman who healed a crippled boy through years of prayer and massage, illustrating that just as Elijah needed Elisha, we all need tangible human encouragement to walk again [27–33].

Message Key Facts:

• The "Slough of Despond": Swindoll borrows this term from John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, describing a bog where the characters Christian and Pliable fall, becoming "grievously bedaubed with dirt." It serves as a metaphor for the sticky, sinking feeling of depression.
• Biblical Figures Who Battled Depression: Swindoll notes that despondency is not a sign of spiritual failure, citing four successful biblical leaders who despaired of life: Moses (Numbers 11), Jonah (Jonah 4), Paul (2 Corinthians 1), and Elijah (1 Kings 19) [9–10].
• The "Blue Monday" Phenomenon: Elijah’s collapse happened immediately after his greatest victory (defeating the prophets of Baal). Swindoll warns that believers are most vulnerable to a crash right after a spiritual high, much like suicide rates often rise after the holidays.
• The "Bent Bow" Proverb: Swindoll cites an ancient Greek motto: "You will break the bow if you keep it always bent." This illustrates that living with the philosophy that "enough is not enough" eventually leads to a break in one's spirit or health.
• God’s Therapy for Burnout: God’s response to Elijah was practical, not theological. He did not preach to Elijah; He gave him a "catering service" in the wilderness (bread baked on hot stones and water) and let him sleep. Swindoll notes, "Sometimes a good long night's rest is far more spiritual than another hour spent in prayer" [17–20].
• Fragility of the Depressed: Swindoll argues that discouraged people are like "fine china"—fragile and in need of gentle handling. This is why God spoke to Elijah in a "gentle blowing" (whisper) rather than through the wind, earthquake, or fire.
• The "Mom Jean" Illustration: The sermon concludes with a story from Arthur Gordon’s book A Touch of Wonder about a woman named Mom Jean. She spent years massaging the atrophied legs of a boy with polio until he could walk, illustrating the power of one person saying to another, "I am here. I believe in you. I am your Elisha" [27–33].

Message References:

• 1 Kings 19:1–21: The primary narrative detailing Elijah’s flight from Jezebel, his depression under the broom tree, and God’s restoration of him at Mount Horeb.
• Genesis 9: Mentioned in the opening anecdote regarding the rainbow as a sign of God’s promise.
• Numbers 11: Referenced as the moment Moses asked God to take his life.
• Jonah 4: Referenced as the moment Jonah became despondent after a great revival.
• 2 Corinthians 1: Referenced where Paul admits he "despaired even of life".
• Zechariah 4:6: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit," referenced to show God was still working despite Elijah's feelings of isolation.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll