Reading Portion: 1 Kings 19:9-10
As GOD led Elijah to Horeb, he went into a cave and lodged there. When GOD leads us out of the wilderness, don’t try to find rest in a cave. GOD leads us out as He needs us to minster for Him. GOD appears to Elijah again with a question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” GOD asks questions like these when we are not on the track set by the LORD. We see GOD asking Adam, “Where are you?” and Cain, “Why are you angry?” and here we see the question, “What are you doing here?” Though GOD sees every minute thing, He wants us to give Him clarification about our actions. The guidance of the LORD is over us because He doesn’t want us to go off from the track and for that He keeps on communicating with us.
Though Elijah was motivated at the beginning of his journey to Horeb, he is now tired and lacks motivation to move further. This happens in our spiritual life too. We start on something big, and as we move ahead, people leave us for no reason and we feel that we are left alone with nothing to hold on. When we lack motivation to move ahead, GOD will become our motivation. He knows our situations and all our explanations about being depressed.
Elijah gives an explanation about his side of the story:
- He was zealous for the LORD: He was faithful in his life with the LORD. We have discussed this topic before.
- The children of Israel forsook the covenant with the LORD: Elijah proved who the real GOD is, and they turned to GOD as well; but Elijah doubted their repentance when he heard the words of Jezebel.
- The people destroyed the altars and killed the prophets of the LORD: Elijah recollected the events of the past and was still dwelling in the pain of the same. Depression has a bad side – it opens up the wounds that have already healed.
- And, he is alone: Though it was not the reality, this was what Elijah felt when he was depressed again, in life.
- The people want to take his life as well: Only Jezebel was furious with Elijah, but his fear grew to such a level that he felt that everybody was against him.
Even though he was weak, his ears were sensitive enough to hear the voice of the LORD. As David says in Psalm 23: 4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” GOD was comforting Elijah with His rod and staff. It chastised him, corrected him and gave him direction. Always remember to tune into the right frequency with GOD even in your adversities. GOD’s caring hands will lead you through this season!
