November 12, 2013
Fear. Depression, with suicidal tendencies. Fatigue. Hunger. Thirst. Isolation. All of these are a recipe for serious trouble. Consider a man who was experiencing all the above mentioned.
The story is chronicled in 1 Kings 19. Elijah, a mighty prophet of God, had just come from a mountaintop experience - literally. Going toe to toe with four hundred and fifty false prophets, Yahweh God validated his cause by causing fire to fall from heaven upon Elijah's altar (1 Kings 18.38). But, on the heels of this great victory, the threat of the queen threw his life into a tailspin: "Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, 'So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.' " (1 Kings 19.2). Enter the fear factor: "And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there." (1 Kings 19.3)
Isolated, exhausted, hungry, thirsty, and depressed, Elijah retreated into the wilderness to indulge in some serious self-pity. Miraculously fed and watered by an angel, he was physically strengthened for a forty-day journey, and an encounter with the living God. Twice questioned by God, Elijah answer was both consistent and telling of his true feelings: "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." (1 Kings 19.10)
This man of God - suffering from a serious case of the poor-me's - had every need met by his Father, and returned to service a rejuvenated man.
It can - and does - easily happen to us all. Noble service leaves us empty - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We feel dejected by the very people we are called to serve. We retreat into isolation to nurse our wounds. The dark cloud of depression settles over us.
Elijah's encounter with God was not found in the dramatic, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19.12-13). Sometimes it's necessary to retreat from the noise of our world to encounter the renewing voice and presence of our Father. When we have burned out and removed ourselves from the realm of activity, we are in the best position to hear, reflect, and renew.
Don't wait until you've experienced Elijah's realm of emotions before you seek renewal. Take time today to retreat into the renewing silence of God's word and presence. Read His word with a real ear for how it applies. Converse and listen from your heart. Know that Almighty God is ready to meet your every need, when you quiet yourself to hear and respond.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
The story is chronicled in 1 Kings 19. Elijah, a mighty prophet of God, had just come from a mountaintop experience - literally. Going toe to toe with four hundred and fifty false prophets, Yahweh God validated his cause by causing fire to fall from heaven upon Elijah's altar (1 Kings 18.38). But, on the heels of this great victory, the threat of the queen threw his life into a tailspin: "Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, 'So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.' " (1 Kings 19.2). Enter the fear factor: "And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there." (1 Kings 19.3)
Isolated, exhausted, hungry, thirsty, and depressed, Elijah retreated into the wilderness to indulge in some serious self-pity. Miraculously fed and watered by an angel, he was physically strengthened for a forty-day journey, and an encounter with the living God. Twice questioned by God, Elijah answer was both consistent and telling of his true feelings: "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." (1 Kings 19.10)
This man of God - suffering from a serious case of the poor-me's - had every need met by his Father, and returned to service a rejuvenated man.
It can - and does - easily happen to us all. Noble service leaves us empty - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We feel dejected by the very people we are called to serve. We retreat into isolation to nurse our wounds. The dark cloud of depression settles over us.
Elijah's encounter with God was not found in the dramatic, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19.12-13). Sometimes it's necessary to retreat from the noise of our world to encounter the renewing voice and presence of our Father. When we have burned out and removed ourselves from the realm of activity, we are in the best position to hear, reflect, and renew.
Don't wait until you've experienced Elijah's realm of emotions before you seek renewal. Take time today to retreat into the renewing silence of God's word and presence. Read His word with a real ear for how it applies. Converse and listen from your heart. Know that Almighty God is ready to meet your every need, when you quiet yourself to hear and respond.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
posted by steve @ 7:16 AM
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