All of us need rest in the busyness of life. This is also true of our service as Christians. If we do not take time to rest in the Lord, which means to reflect upon His Word and pray, we risk emotional and spiritual burnout. If this happens, we are of little help to others around us.
The prophet Elijah was called to stand against the evil King Ahab and pronounce God’s judgment on him. The land would not see any rain for three and a half years, and a great famine would come (v. 1). Imagine the King’s anger directed against the prophet. The Lord, knowing the stresses Elijah would face, told him to go to Brook Cherith where He would supply all his needs (v. 2-4). Elijah obeyed God and found a wonderful, quiet retreat (v. 5).
During the time of famine and persecution, Elijah was secure in the will of God. He had a quiet place to pray and worship, strengthening him in the spirit. The good Lord provided for all his physical needs. In the morning and evening, God sent the ravens to bring Elijah bread and meat to eat. He was at the brook, which supplied him with fresh water to drink (v. 6). How refreshing for his mind, body, and soul! In our walk with God, we also need times like these to sustain us.
Jesus promised us that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, He will provide for all our other needs as well (Matthew 6:31-33). If we hunger for more of God’s Word, He will fill us, as Jesus is the living bread for our souls (Matthew 5:6; John 6:35). This allows us to mature spiritually and fight the good fight of faith. We need to take time to drink of the living waters Jesus provides so that they may flow through us into the lives of others! This is the amazing promise of our Lord, who says in John 7:38, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
Jesus taught us to take time for daily prayer. This is essential for us to lead healthy spiritual lives. We need to find a place of quiet, reflective prayer where God can meet us. In Jesus’ words, “When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6). God met Elijah at the brook, and He will meet you today in your place of prayer!
But you may say, “I am too busy with the many important cares I face daily. My schedule with work, family, shopping, and even church activities is too full!” Look to the life of Jesus, who was sought by the multitudes for help, yet taught His disciples to rest with Him despite the urgency of the tasks at hand. “Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat” (Mark 6:30-31). This is the healthy example for each child of God to be refreshed, grow spiritually, and face the challenges of each day with grace.
Eventually, the water at the Brook Cherith dried up, and Elijah needed to move on (1 Kings 17:7). He was now strengthened to help the widow at Zarephath. The widow and her son were running out of food, and Elijah arrived to provide, by God’s power, flour and oil for the time of the famine (v. 8-16). When her son died, God used Elijah to revive him (v. 17-24). What blessings flowed from the life of Elijah who stayed close to the Lord and practiced a time of refreshing with God.
In today’s world, we are connected to all kinds of electronic devices and media which vie for our constant attention. If we are not wise and find our daily rest in the Lord, we will surely over time suffer physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion.
May we take time and be blessed with our Savior as noted in the song: “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses; and the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses. And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”
Jesus is calling us to rest awhile with Him and His Word. This time with God is always well spent and allows the Lord to direct our steps as He did for Elijah. Later, Elijah prayed again, and the rains came (James 5:17-18)! Do you take time to find rest for your soul? Do you take time to pray and find nourishment in God’s word? Then surely you will prosper under the Lord’s guidance and be a blessing for many others.
Harry Klinger
Winnipeg. Manitoba
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