1 Kings 19:9a There he went into a cave and spent the night….
It is so important for people, especially people who are struggling in some capacity, to feel like they are heard. As a fixer and a problem solver, I want to jump right in and offer solutions, try to fix the issues. These verses in 1 Kings offer a beautiful example of what being heard looks like.
1 Kings 19:9b …And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
The Lord sees Elijah’s distress, recognizes it, asks for more information. Elijah says his peace. The stress and frustration are clearly there, but I’m willing to bet he feels better, he feels heard. I’ve learned that instead of offering solutions, sometimes the most powerful words at a time like this are, “I hear your frustration, Elijah. I hear your stress. I’m sorry that you are feeling so overwhelmed.”
1 Kings 19:10a He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty….
Lord, Thank You for this illustration of the power of being heard. Thank You that I understand much better now that the need to be heard is not a cry for others to offer solutions. Help me to listen better. Help me to hear and to understand and to acknowledge people so that they feel seen and heard. Always. Amen.
1 Kings 19:10b …The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
Have a blessed day.