One of my favorite passages from the Bible is found in I Kings 19.
Elijah fled into the wilderness because he was afraid—full of anxiety and panic—after he heard that Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, sought to take his life. Jezebel vowed to kill him in revenge for criticizing Ahab’s idolatrous worship of Baal and for the deaths of the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18).
Once Elijah arrived in the wilderness, 1 Kings 19:4–5 tells us this concerning Elijah:
“He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die.
‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.”
The showdown with the prophets of Baal, Jezebel’s threats, and his journey into the wilderness had left him exhausted. Elijah experienced such an emotional, physical, and spiritual low that he begged God to take his life. Have you ever been in that place, so completely exhausted and bruised by the relentless pummeling of life that you want to give up?
I have had a few of those experiences.
And I’ve also talked recently to people who feel the same way. Some have experienced deaths in their family, cancer, or the effects of hurricanes Helene and Milton on their family members here in the United States. Others have ongoing financial constraints.
Even when we are obedient to God, even when we do everything right, the storms of life, large and small, can feel unyielding and relentless, leaving us depleted.
God’s Care of Elijah
Interestingly, God sent an angel to care for Elijah. The angel made some bread over hot coals and gave Elijah water to drink. Then Elijah fell back asleep. Then the angel returned.
Scripture tells us, “The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you’” (I Kings 19:7).
Note that the angel did not say . . .
“Why are you sleeping? Get up and fight like a man!”
Or, “Go read your Bible!”
God’s angelic messenger did not condemn Elijah for running away from Jezebel or for collapsing in the wilderness. On the contrary, the angel had compassion, realizing that the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey had been too much for Elijah, especially without having had sufficient nourishment and rest.
God knows that we are human. That we tire out. That life can knock the wind out of us. However, he does not act like a cruel coach, parent, or even church member screaming at us to “Just get up!”
God knows that simple things like eating well and resting are necessary for the healing process, necessary for us to become whole. Physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are all bound up together. All need to be addressed.
The American church is starting to understand this truth. We cannot go a hundred miles an hour, mistreat and abuse our bodies, all while experiencing life’s ups and downs, and expect to be well. It is just not humanly possible.
Sabbath Rest
Isn’t God’s response to Elijah through the angel beautiful?
God takes all aspects of us and the context into consideration. That’s why he instituted habits like the Sabbath—so both humans and animals, and even land, can get much-needed rest. Farmers know that land needs rest and recovery so that it is not overused, depleted of minerals, and rendered useless for growing crops. It is why Jesus fed the five thousand who’d been listening to him all day. Jesus knew they were hungry and needed physical nourishment for their health and to make the journey home.
We need not berate ourselves if we are tired, depressed, or burned out. God understands these things, and he is gentle with us. So gentle. Can we be gentle with ourselves and others in order for healing to take place?
We need to understand, like God did with Elijah, and Jesus did with the crowd, that eating and resting, taking care of our bodies, will allow us to be the people God has made us to be and do the work we are called to do.
Indeed, taking care of our whole selves will allow us to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves better.
There is no shame in taking or needing rest. There is no shame in taking time to heal. May you feel the freedom—and God’s blessing—to do so.
—Written by Marlena Graves. Used by permission from the author.
8 Responses
This is beautiful. It reminds me of when Jesus took a nap on the boat and the disciples questioned him. Rest is sumper important and not emphasized in this capitalistic society.
Thank God for His faithfulness. His mercy shows up every day. His grace never fails us. To God be the glory.😍😘😄😃😃😎
Hi Virginia,
I’m so sorry for your suffering. I also have dealt with those exact same things in my life.
Because the mind is Satan’s battleground, if you turn to your mind to try to find your answer, you will open the door to the devil to trouble your mind with fear, worry, and doubt. The enemy wants to draw us into the mental arena, for that’s his arena. This is why we need to look to our spirit. The Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit and that is how he leads us. Remember when Jesus told his disciples he had to go, but he was leaving us with a gift. That gift is the Holy Spirit who in dwells in us. I would encourage you to read a book called “Following The Holy Spirit” by Nance Dufresne. You can find it on Amazon. In this book, you will learn how to recognize, and follow the leading of the spirit. When we as believers learn how to follow the spirit of God, we can receive the help of God in every area of our lives. Blessings to you.
Thank you so much, I needed the reinforcement of what I know and believe in the the Lord Jesus Christ.
God is able and never fails.
I am suffering from anxiety and depression. I pray to GOD every day for help, for healing, so I can feel His joy and peace in my mind. I know He doesn’t want me to feel like this. I know He will heal me, and I have to put all my trust and faith in Him.
Hi, Virginia. Oh, how I can relate. I really struggle with anxiety and depression, as well. During these difficult moments all I can do is cry out to Jesus. He is so good to meet us right where we are. He truly is our ‘Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, and Prince of Peace”. He is as close as the mention of His Name. He promises that “He will never leave us, or forsake us”. I will keep you in my prayers. May our Precious Lord minister to your heart and mind, and surround you with His Presence.
Awesome words! Thank you for advice and encouragement. I needed this word.
This spoke to me. I am mentally exhausted grieving the death of my son almost 8 years ago and the love of my life 2 years ago. I don’t know how to heal but I know it is possible. Thank you for confirming what has been in my heart for so long.