Comfort in the Wilderness
Sitting on my bed with tears streaking down my face, I remember feeling tired, emotionally and spiritually spent. My husband sat in front of me, looking concerned.
“I think I’m depressed,” I said.
For so long, I had been holding those words - carrying the weight of them. I couldn’t help but feel like a failure. This wasn’t my first bout with depression. I had struggled postpartum. Feelings of anxiety and sadness weren’t new to me, but I thought I had overcome them.
Although saying those words brought relief, I also felt overwhelmed with the feeling that I would have to do something about it. I would have to work hard to be happy and rested again.
The prophet Elijah knew about fatigue and despair. In one of the most unbelievable experiences in Scripture, he faced off against 450 of Baal’s prophets at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Fire fell from heaven, and the people watching fell face down, realizing that the God of Elijah was the one true God. This was a great spiritual victory! But soon after, Elijah ran for his life because the murderous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were out to get him.
In our key verse, Elijah was on the run and exhausted, alone in the wilderness. Thankfully, God brought comfort:
“Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, ‘Get up and eat.’ Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again” (1 Kings 19:5b-6, CSB).
The voice in my head as I read this is that of a loving parent nursing a child back to health. And all Elijah had to do in response was willingly receive nourishment and rest. He didn’t have to muster up his energy to keep going. He didn’t have to prove that he was still faithful. He simply had to receive and rest.
Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is eat a snack and take a nap.
One of the ways my Abuelita Carmen says “I love you” is by serving up a hot plate of gallo pinto (Nicaraguan red beans and rice) and tortillas. There is nothing fancy about this meal, but it’s delicious and nourishing. I lived with Abuelita from the time I was a child until I got married. Through the years and all the ups and downs, gallo pinto was always on the stove, a comforting reminder of her love.
I imagine that when Elijah saw the warm bread and refreshing water God provided for him, it made him feel loved as well.
Reading the story of Elijah and God’s comfort in the wilderness helps us to see that God calls us to rest too. He wants to be our comfort, bringing nourishment and respite when we need it most.
Heavenly Father, You are the God who brings comfort, rest, nourishment, and grace in the midst of our wilderness seasons. Help us to receive Your love, especially in moments of despair and exhaustion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Provided by "Proverbs 31 Ministries"
Music: Eyes On You
When dark clouds roll
In over me
You are the light
That covers me
I keep my eyes on You
Holding on to Your
hands
God with You I will
stand
I keep on running to
You
'Cause Your Name will
remain
And with You I will
stay
Forever!
When fear creeps in
And sorrows rise
I choose to say
You are the way
Lord You are
My portion still
I need You, I want You
Be here in me
I keep my eyes on You
Holding on to Your
hands
God with You I will
stand
I keep on running to
You
'Cause Your Name will
remain
And with You I will
stay
Forever!
I will not be shaken
I will not be moved
For You have overcome
I will not be shaken
I will not be moved
You will stand with me
'Cause Your Name will remain
And with You I will stay
Forever!