Have you ever been so tired that you just wanted to lie down and let the world go on without you? Not only tired in your body, but worn out in your soul? If so, you are in good company. One of the boldest prophets in the Bible once felt exactly that way. And the way God cared for him may surprise you.
From the mountaintop to the wilderness
In 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah stood on Mount Carmel and watched God answer his prayer with fire from heaven. It was one of the greatest victories in the Old Testament. The people fell on their faces and cried out that the LORD is God.
But in the very next chapter, everything changed. Queen Jezebel sent a message threatening Elijah’s life. Afraid, he ran. He traveled south to Beersheba, left his servant there and went on alone, a full day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a juniper tree and told God he had had enough. He asked to die.
It is a hard moment to read. But it is also honest. Great faith does not mean we never feel empty. Even after a mountaintop, the valley can come quickly.
God’s first answer: rest and bread
Notice what God did not do. He did not scold Elijah. He did not give him a lecture or a new assignment. First, He let him sleep.
“And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.”
1 Kings 19:5 (KJV)
Elijah woke to find a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. He ate, drank and lay down again. Then the angel came a second time.
“And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.”
1 Kings 19:7 (KJV)
What tender words. God knew the road ahead was too much for Elijah in his own strength. So He met the most basic needs first: sleep, food and water. Strengthened by that meal, Elijah traveled forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap, eat a real meal and drink some water. God made our bodies, and He cares about them.
God’s second answer: His presence
At Horeb, Elijah spent the night in a cave. The LORD asked him a gentle question: what was he doing there? Elijah poured out his heart. He had served God with all he had, the people had turned away, and he felt like the only faithful one left.
Then God told him to stand on the mountain. A great wind came, so strong it broke the rocks, but the LORD was not in the wind. Then an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.
“And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”
1 Kings 19:12 (KJV)
Elijah had seen God work through fire on Mount Carmel. Now God showed him that He is just as present in the quiet. When life is loud and our hearts are tired, God often speaks softly.
God’s third answer: you are not alone
Elijah believed he was the only one left. God gently corrected him. There were still seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to the false god Baal. And God gave Elijah a companion and successor, a young man named Elisha, to walk with him in the work ahead.
Weariness tells us we are alone. God’s truth tells us otherwise.
If you are under your own juniper tree
- Be honest with God. Elijah told Him exactly how he felt. God can handle your tears and your questions.
- Care for your body. Rest, eat and drink water. These are gifts from God, not signs of weakness.
- Get quiet. Turn off the noise for a few minutes and listen for His still small voice in His Word and in prayer.
- Reach out. You are not the only one. Call a friend, a pastor or someone in your church family. If you feel deeply hopeless, please talk with a doctor or counselor as well. Getting help is part of God’s care for you.
The storm in Elijah’s heart did not have the last word. God fed him, met him and sent him back out with fresh purpose. He can do the same for you. The journey may be too great for you, but it is never too great for Him.
Has God ever met you in a season of deep weariness? How did He bring you through? Share your story in the comments to encourage someone else.
Sources: King James Bible, 1 Kings 18 and 1 Kings 19 (verses 5, 7 and 12 quoted).
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