Constantly facing the threats of others for speaking God’s words, Elijah had grown weary and depressed. He went to a cave in Horeb to hide away. He had been a mighty spokesman for God amid political turmoil and idolatry. However, it appeared to him that he stood alone in his zeal for God. God came to him there in the cave and asked, “What doest thou here, Elijah? And he (Elijah) said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left: and they seek my life, to take it away” (I Kings 19:9-10). What was God’s reply? He told Elijah to go out and stand upon the mount, for He the Lord would speak to him there.
Elijah still weary and depressed tarried. God passed by. A strong and mighty wind whipped about the mountain. Pieces of rock fell. Then, an earthquake followed by a horrendous fire surrounded Elijah’s cave; but the Lord was not in the wind, the earthquake, nor the fire (I Kings 19:11-12). Then came a still small voice. Elijah arose and went to the opening of the cave. So, deep in his weariness and depression, Elijah was unaffected by the winds or the dangers surrounding him. He would just as soon to die as to continue in a world that did not care about God’s word. However, when Elijah heard God’s voice gently calling to him; he arose. Once more, God asks him what he is doing there and once more his reply was the same, “I, even I only, am left”.
Weary and Depressed, feeling all alone.
As pilgrim’s in this journey of life, there will be times when we may feel all alone in our battle for Christ. The truth is our own personal battle against sin is alone. It is that struggle within, seeking to know precisely God’s will. Yet, it is there that God comes with a still small voice, whispering our name and reminding us we are His Chosen, Blessed, Redeemed child. Then, God tells Elijah to go and return to the wilderness of Damascus. “I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him” (I Kings 19:18). Furthermore, God told him to go and find Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah to anoint to be prophet. Elisha would be his successor.
In other words, you are not alone even when weary and depressed. They are other dear saints who still are standing for the truth of the gospel. Furthermore, there are other willing servants who may learn from you. Elisha was like a young apprentice to Elijah. He did not hesitate to leave his profession and his family to answer God’s call. Elisha learned his heart of servitude from Elijah during the time that they remained together. And note this, Elijah was not left alone anymore. In sending Elisha, God had provided for Elijah as well in his elder years. We hear nothing more of Elisha until it is time for God to take Elijah home. Then we find that Elisha journeys with him to the place where Elijah dies and then buries him. Elijah was not left alone, weary and depressed—God provided his every need.
A PERSONAL Example
Over the past three years, I lived very much alone. Content with being alone with God, I perhaps hardly noticed how isolated I had become. At times, the battles of this life I faced without talking to anyone. My battles I kept very safely tucked within. However, God has now called me to live a different life as I moved in with my son and his children. I may not fully understand all the aspects yet of this my new life; but, I know God has a perfect plan of love in the midst of it all for all of us.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts comment here
Books Available
If you want to know more about books I have written. Then, please click on this link to discover a world of Book Resources.
Or you can find all my books on Amazon.com, search just by searching Effie Darlene Barba. Or click this link to be taken there
Furthermore, for inspirational photos or home decor click here.
Previous Post in This Series:
Can You See The Army of God Surrounding You?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnote and Credits
Photo by Milan Popovic on Unsplash