Author: Beth Duncan

1 Kings 19:9 …And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
After the LORD saw to Elijah’s physical needs, He sought to address his emotional and spiritual needs. He knew Elijah was exhausted, frustrated, afraid. But He also knew that Elijah was aware of God’s purpose, His call for Elijah’s life, and He wanted Elijah to tap back into that purpose, to realize that, regardless of what it felt like, he did not go it alone, his work was not in vein. 
1 Kings 19:10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected Your covenant, torn down Your alters, put Your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”
It brings me deep comfort to know that even the prophet Elijah struggled with feelings of, “What am I doing here? Why am I busting my butt when no one seems to care but me?!?” It also brings great comfort to know that God cares and is infinitely aware of my headspace and struggles, my frustrations and fears. He cares enough to be present in these ugly moments, to listen to me vent, to speak to me in His still, soft voice, reassuring me of His presence, His sovereignty, His call for me. He is present in the striving. He cares about our fears, our exhaustion, our frustration. He actively seeks to help us find rest and renewal. Thank You, Lord.
1 Kings 19:11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that You have work for us to do. Thank You for understanding when we struggle with frustration, doubt, and fear, for being with us in those moments, for reassuring us and redirecting us back to You. Thank You for wanting real, intimate connection with us, especially in the difficult places. Help us to come to You, openly and honestly. Always. Draw us closer. Amen.
1 Kings 19:12 …And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
Have a blessed day.

1 Kings 19:5 …All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”
When I was led back to this passage yesterday, I was a little confused. I could see if it were the beginning of summer, but for a teacher at the end of summer break, this seemed an odd section for Him to call me to, but my precious Savior always knows what I need, and today’s section makes a lot of sense as I am poised to head back to school next week. 
1 Kings 19:6 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.
Elijah was exhausted and frustrated, and he poured all that out to God. God’s primary response was to take care of his physical needs—rest and nourishment. At the end of this summer break, I find myself grateful for the rest and renewal I feel, rooted in my Savior, accomplished through a summer of relaxing and traveling. I was exhausted. He heard my cry, allowed me to place my burdens at His feet, and gave me rest. Thank You, Jesus.
1 Kings 19:7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for sending nourishment and renewal when we so desperately need it. Sometimes I’m guilty of thinking, “If this is God’s will for me, I just have to buckle down and plow through, even if I’m discouraged, exhausted, or afraid.” Thank You that You don’t ask me to go it alone, that I can be real and honest with You about where I am. Thank You for understanding the magnitude of what You are asking me to do and for calling me to rest and renew in You. Help me to listen and obey. Renew my spirit. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Kings 19:8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.
Have a blessed day.

1 Kings 19:3-4a Elijah was afraid and he ran for his life. …he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. 
This morning finds me back in 1 Kings, back with an overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated Elijah. I understand the feeling of wandering in a wilderness, no trail, no map, no idea which way to go, feeling helpless, stuck, afraid, praying, “Please, Lord, make a way.” I understand giving 100%, day after day, year after year, and feeling like you are not making a difference. I understand mental and physical exhaustion.
1 Kings 19:4b He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die…. 
Was his prayer for death out of fear of Jezebel and her threats? Was it because he felt he’d been giving his best to the LORD and getting no where? Was it because he was just completely spent? Utterly exhausted? Was it because he took his eyes off his Creator and had himself a pity party over all he saw as wrong? What strikes me in this scene, more than Elijah’s exhaustion and frustration, is God’s response. He could have given a thunderous reply, “How dare you? Who do you think you are?” Instead, He sent rest, care, and nourishment. 
1 Kings 19:4c … “I have had enough, LORD…. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for understanding our fear, frustration, and exhaustion, for making a way. Thank You for calling us to be Your hands and feet in this world, for allowing us to shine Your light. Thank You that we can be real and honest with You about where we are and the ways in which we are struggling. Thank You for hearing, understanding, and responding to our needs. Draw us closer to You. Amen.
1 Kings 19:5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”
Have a blessed day.