Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” 1 Kings 19:5
Along with social isolation following his victory on Mt. Carmel, Elijah faced physical exhaustion. In 1 Kings 19:5, Elijah needed food, water, and rest. He was so exhausted that he didn’t have motivation to eat and drink before falling asleep.
Physical weakness and discouragement often go hand in hand. Elijah, discouraged and afraid, ran until he was absolutely spent. You can focus so much on the world, that you literally work yourself to exhaustion. Even Jesus took time to rest His physical body. It is appropriate to make sure that you rest, and to make sure that your church leaders rest.
Elijah faced spiritual exhaustion like we sometimes do. In 1 Kings 19:11, Elijah needed time in God’s presence to renew his spiritual strength. God responded to Elijah’s need with reassurance, “I am going to pass by.” God will not leave us needing Him. Often, He is there to refresh you even before you recognize your need.
God never intended for your Christian walk to be difficult and discouraging. It’s when you try living out your faith in your own strength that you get discouraged. Time each day in God’s Word and prayer provides rest for your soul.
Elijah faced emotional exhaustion as well. He victoriously faced the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel. Then he panicked for 70 miles. He felt as though he had lost. His emotions were not an accurate reflection of his recent experience!
His emotions told him he was all alone! (1 Kings 19:14) He now feared Jezebel! Fear always handcuffs your faith and opens the door for discouragement. Emotions rarely walk in harmony with faith!
Pray that God will help you clearly see those things in your life that wear on your emotions so that you can guard your faith.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for examples of lives restored out of isolation, discouragement and exhaustion. Thank you for showing me that You will never leave me alone, that You will always provide for my physical, emotional and spiritual needs. You care about every part of me, even if I fail to take care of myself. Thank you for loving me, even mor than I love myself. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.