A Whisper for the Weary

Elijah was weary. Not just a little weary – the kind of weary where fear is dictating, and doubt speaks loudest. We know this because Elijah didn’t just contemplate running away; he up and did it.

1 Kings 19 gives us a glimpse into this low point in Elijah’s life, “He himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, ‘It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.’” (1 Kings 19:4 NASB)

After declaring he had enough and requesting to die, Elijah curled up and went to sleep. And right there in the wilderness, in the middle of his pain and frustration – God showed up. An angel came, touched him, and provided food and water. The angel said, “Arise, eat.” Then he spoke again, “Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you.”

Do you sense God’s care and compassion for Elijah?

After physically providing for Elijah, God sent him on a 40-day journey that climaxed at a cave. While at the cave, God questioned Elijah, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah openly shared his frustration and feelings of isolation and fear.

God didn’t immediately respond to Elijah’s pain but instead invited him, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” As Elijah stood looking for God, he witnessed an earthquake that broke the mountain into pieces, followed by a fire. But God was not in the earthquake or the fire. After these seemingly large expressions, Elijah heard a gentle blowing sound. Knowing this was God, Elijah covered his face and stepped forward to listen.

Isn’t it interesting that God chose to reveal His presence to Elijah in the form of a gentle whisper?

I like what Bright City devotional readings say about this encounter, “To hear a gentle whisper, the listener needs to be absolutely still and absolutely quiet. They also need to be right up close to the one delivering the message… God speaking in this different and distinct way meant that Elijah paid attention. The fact that it was a whisper drew him from activity to intimacy.”

I connect to Elijah, as weariness is no stranger in my life. Nor are fear, doubt, or worry. What about you?

Can you relate to Elijah when, in his exhaustion and overwhelm, he told God, “It’s enough.”? Or maybe you used a different phrase: I quit. It’s too heavy. It’s too hard. I’m out. I’m scared. I can’t do it anymore.

If this is you, I have good news. When we give up, our God doesn’t give up on us. Remember that compassion God showed Elijah? He has that same care and compassion for you. In our places of weariness, God allows us to come to Him. He is ready to whisper hope and healing into our pain and brokenness.

Listen to what God has to say to you now.

Be Still. Be Quiet. Draw Close.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“Therefore humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” 1 Peter 5:6

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“The LORD is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great it lovingkindness.” Psalm 145:8

“Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31