Have you noted the biblical expressions that describe people-especially God’s people? Grown people are referred to as: “newborn babes” (I Pet. 2:2); “a babe”, “dull of hearing”, “ought to be teachers”, “full grown” (Heb. 5:11-14); “disorderly; fainthearted; weak” (I Thess. 5:14); “shortsighted” (II Pet. 1:9 NAS); “clouds without water”, “autumn trees without fruit”, “wild waves of the sea”, “wandering stars” (Jude, vv. 12, 13); “strong, weak” (Rom. 15:1); “children of God” (Rom. 8:16); “you are of your father the devil” (John 8:44), etc. What a conglomerate of character traits reacting and interacting within God’s family of people!

The amazing thing is that some of these differing and divergent traits may show up in the same individual. Moses was a dynamo of disciplinary demands when he came down from the mountain with the 10 commandments, demanding the Israelites, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” About 3000 Israelites died that day (Ex. 32:15-28). What a contrast a little later, when Israel wanted both manna and meat. Moses’ mood swing went from command to capitulating, from directing to defeat. In an outburst of self-pity, Moses gives in and gives up, stating to God, “I alone am not able to carry all this people...if you are going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once...do not let me see my wretchedness” (Num. 11:11-15). It is only fair that we note this surge of self-pity was between Moses and God, not a demonstration before the erratic Israelites.

Elijah is another classic example of rather rapid mood swings by a mighty man of God. In I Kings 18:19-40, Elijah bravely stood before 450 prophets of Baal, set up an accepted scheme, blended with satire (mocking, vs. 27), bold speech (vv. 30-38), and the slaughter that day of all Baalistic prophets (vs. 40). Very shortly thereafter, this stalwart servant of God went into deep depression (even wanting to die), is seen fleeing from the threats of a woman (Jezebel-I Kings 19:1-4), becoming a short-sighted soul, who couldn’t detect God at work in a Divine demonstration of wind, earthquake, and fire (vv. 11-12), feeling isolated and alone when God was near and active, with 7000 brethren who had not bowed their knee to Baal (vv. 14-19)! What a change of pace and of character Elijah had manifested!!

God gradually brought Elijah out of his depression, sending an angel (vv. 5,7), telling Elijah to “go forth” (vv. 11,15), get back to his work, and even selecting Elisha to carry on Elijah’s work after he was gone (vv. 16-21). Have you ever had mood swings like Elijah did??

Peter is a classic example of denying Him Divine in a weak, wicked moment (Matt. 26:31-35; Lk. 22:31-34, 54-62), and shortly thereafter, being a powerful preacher on Pentecost Day (Acts 2:14-36, esp. vv. 22-24, 36). A little later, when the same ones who brought on Christ’s crucifixion and charged the apostles to not speak in His name, Peter boldly responded, “We must obey God rather tan men” (Acts 5:29; 4:19f). Peter was even beaten and rejoicingly continued to speak for Jesus (Acts 5:40-42).

What do we learn from these examples of mighty men of God and their mood swings ?? 1. We surely are fickle folks, and “let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall” (I Cor. 10:12). 2. Let us be careful about judging one another by single act or a mood-swinging moment. 3. When we are weak, share those moods and moments with God, rather tan unfold a weak, devilish demonstration before brethren or the world. 4. Count on God to help us out of moody moments or descents into depression (I Pet. 5:5-7). 5. Be mindful of these variables, be determined to grow as God’s children, responding in varied ways at varied times (ex. Admonish the disorderly; encourage the fainthearted; support the weak). 6. A cure for our fickleness is to deepen and strengthen our faith (I John 5:4; II Cor. 5:7).