I love the story of Elijah. There comes a point when he is exhausted, physically, emotionally and spiritually. In fact he is so tired that he is suicidal. “I’ve had enough, Lord. Take my life.” Not the air-brushed image of a great hero of faith, but an honest picture of a man at the end of his tether. You can read the full story in the Old Testament, in the first book of Kings, chapter 19.
The background is dramatic. He has just had a demanding contest of faith with some pagan prophets which involved a lot of physical work in building a bonfire and carrying gallons of water. He has just heard that the queen has him on her hit list. He has just run the whole length of the land of Israel, the best part of 100 miles! No wonder he is exhausted.
How does he recover? He slept for a couple of days and then ate some good food. It is no use trying to be more spiritual than God! God made us physical beings operating on very complex chemical processes. When we are tired, try a couple of early nights - making sure we get a full eight hours rested sleep. Turn of the phone and computer and the TV an hour before going to bed. Let the brain wind down. And what about your diet? Healthy eating produces energy. Check your diet.
Of course, persistent tiredness can be a sign of something else being out of balance. A visit to the doctor might be in order. Some of us are very grateful for the little pills that keep us going from day to day, keeping our hormones in balance or ensuring our blood is in good condition.
Only after a good sleep and a couple of good meals, does God deal with Elijah’s other stuff. He is suffering from from the “poor me” syndrome. “I, even I only am left.” He wants God to turn up with some injection of super-power, but the wind , fire and earthquake are not the answer either. Then it all goes quiet. God speaks in a gentle whisper: “What are you doing here?”
The whining prophet is reminded that he is not alone. There are 7000 others who are faithful to God. And God has more work for him to do!
So, listen. Who else is keeping the fires of faith burning in tough times? Look around at some of the people you know. God has not given up on you. So don’t give up on yourself!
PRAYERS
Dwell with us
Far sighted God
Make our faith leap and come alive
Help us to pay attention to our soul – that part of us which is eternal and imperishable –
and which brings us to your peaceful abode.
Your son has shown us the way
so that
we might have a glimpse of you
and a foothold on faith.
Let us not doubt the living word
first and last
Genesis and Revelation
but press on towards the destination with courage.
Encounter with us now
along the road which is
sometimes lonely
often draining
always surprising
at times scary
and bring healing and renewal to our battered weary bones.
Here we are, Lord ~
at a crossroads
not sure which way to go.
Direct us on our way ~
Fill us with clarity
and confidence
so that we do not wander from the path
which is lit for us.
In life
In death
Dwell with us,
Lord God Almighty.
Dust to Dust
Lord,
I’ve been wandering again……..
In a dry land, in a barren place,
Feeling hopeless, helpless, lost, unloved, put upon……..
And I am so thirsty.
Dried up,
Burnt out,
Dust to dust
Ashes to ashes, and all that…………..
Of course I’ve been here before,
That’s what’s so frustrating.
Will I ever learn?
Why do I keep forgetting?
To tap into that which you placed within me all those years ago……….
The day I met you……..
Your Spirit,
Your Living Water
I don’t know…………….
And then
There you are
Drawing alongside me
Reminding me that you know me inside and out
That with you there is nothing to fear
And you offer me
Hope,
Healing,
Unconditional love.
And as I drink from the stream of LIFE
My life, blooms again.
I step back from the edge,
And come home.
Amen.