“The word of the Lord came to [Elijah]: ‘Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith…’ And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and… evening, and he drank from the brook…
“Then he was afraid, and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, and left his servant there. He himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life.’ He lay down and slept. And an angel touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat.’ He looked, and there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. He ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’ And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
“There he came to a cave and lodged in it. The word of the Lord came to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He said, ‘I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away…’ The Lord said, ‘Go,.. and when you arrive, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria… I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’” 1 Kings 17:2-3,6; 19:3-10,15,18
The greater Ahab’s wickedness and longer his reign, the smaller God’s faithful prophet felt. Lonely obedience flirted with despondency as Elijah stood up for God’s condemning truth. Into this vale on the soul the Lord tenderly appeared. With nourishment. Rest. Ongoing purpose. Reminders that he was not alone. There were others so faithful and part of God’s beloved number. (1 Kings 18:17-19:2)
In the morass of moral wickedness and cultures fractured with dissension, individuals can feel quite alone. Standing up for Jesus sets us apart, and sometimes we’re misunderstood and ostracized. Add in competition at work, strained relationships, or a caustic home life and isolation enshrouds the soul. We feel no one understands, no one knows our angst or yearning or sorrow.
But the Lord does! He’s intimately acquainted with all our ways and comprehends the wilderness, every thought and hankering! He stands ready to commune, lift, and supply! In these shadowed places He reveals His all-encompassing light that we wouldn’t need or seek otherwise. He is all-sufficient, His the true balm. (Psalm 68:19; 139:1-3; Jeremiah 8:22; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Hebrews 4:12)
Where do I feel most alone? In a physical or emotional trauma no one understands? A lonely marriage? A grief with a situation or loved one I cannot share? A bereft season of mourning loss? A new community where I’m not known and no one cares? A strong stance for righteousness where all me around are compromising? The fall brought separation, yet Jesus redeems. Will I embrace His encouragement and fellowship? (Genesis 3:1-13,23-24)
Lord, help me maintain spiritual communion and meaningful connection with Your people so Your goodness is magnified.
As the rain and snow 