Running exuberantly southeast to the town of Jezreel , then running fearfully for his life south to Beersheba, Elijah is found in chapter 19 (vs.4) of 1Kings under a broom tree in the wilderness. Worn out, depressed and feeling quite alone he says to the Lord, "It is enough." What happened? We discussed this at length Tuesday evening after some of us enjoyed soup together around the table while the rest arrived. Many thoughts were expressed concerning the reasons Elijah ran, what he was feeling in the wilderness and what God was doing in all this (1Kings 19:1-14). Our eyes were opened to the reality of how human Elijah was; experiencing the miraculous "fire of the Lord" on Mt. Carmel, then totally at a low point in his life in the wilderness; in a cave. Overwhelmed by our circumstances, we too can find ourselves in a cave. It doesn't seem to matter what's gone on before.
Would God let Elijah be; defeated, feeling alone in the wilderness, tucked away in a cave? Starting in 1Kings 19:5, we find answers. First, shade of a broom tree for rest; then food and water for nourishment and strength; then the word of the Lord comes, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" Then a gentle whisper, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" Among the most beloved verses in the New Testament are the words of Jesus found in Matthew 11:28-29. He spoke, "Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls."
In the wilderness, like Elijah, we can hear that gentle whisper that brings us out of the cave. God's word invites us to come to Him, to listen and to accept His promise of relief from our burdens, His promise of security, eternal life and rest - rest for our souls.
