When life looks bleak

​August 5, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on 1 Kings 19:1-4, “Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
 
Just before this, he was involved in a dramatic and persuasive demonstration of God’s power. Confident in God and his power, he would have been feeling pretty good, wouldn’t you say? A few short verses later, we find him afraid and on the run himself. Full of despair, he pours his heart out to God, telling him he has had enough!
God responds with compassion and care as he assigns an angel to feed Elijah. This indicates that God was fully aware of Elijah’s physical and mental state of being. He knew his frailty and limitations and made sure that Elijah received what was needed.
There are times when the events surrounding us get the better of us. But perhaps it is in these times the bigger picture comes into focus. God loves us and has a strong desire to live in a constant relationship with us. Why not hand our emotions to the one who knows us most and loves us best, and rest in him? He can and will meet all our needs.
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, gracious God, creator and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, you know us more completely than we know ourselves. Help us to remember this and rest in your arms of love. You are our faithful provider. In Jesus’ name we pray. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.