Rest for the Weary

“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.” 1 Kings19:4-6 (NIV)

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.”

1 Kings19:3-6 (NIV)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

It’s the end of May. This is often one of the busiest times of the year, especially if you have children graduating or any number of events to attend. Many of us are exhausted from many things going on. If you’re a teacher, a student, or just desperate for summer, you may be feeling weary at this point in the year, ready for a break to come.

In 1 Kings 19 we find Elijah, an amazing prophet of God, running in fear from Jezebel who just threatened his life. He’s exhausted and just done. He’s fled to the wilderness and cries out to God. I love how we see the tenderness of God in His response to Elijah! He sends an angel to provide fresh bread and water and Elijah eats and drinks and lays down to rest.

As the chapter goes on, we see God continues to meet Elijah’s physical needs through the angel of the Lord, as well as giving Elijah space to express his emotions. God doesn’t give him a lecture on how he should be stronger, instead God shows Elijah His Presence and responds to him in a gentle whisper.

In Elijah’s weariness, God meets his physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. At the end of Elijah’s encounter with God, God reminds Elijah that he is not alone.

Are you weary, dear one? Share with the Lord what’s going on and allow Him to restore you. You may not have an angel show up with fresh baked bread, but you can be intentional to recognize your physical needs and spend some time with Jesus, the bread of life! Pour out your concerns to Him. Listen for that gentle whisper as He speaks life into your heart. If you struggle to hear God’s voice, read His Word. Allow His Truth to transform you, then shine His light into the world!