Daily Devotional ~ Cry Out to Jesus
Worship: If you'd like to play a song before you begin or while you read, may we recommend "Cry Out to Jesus" by Third Day. Why not try asking alexa, siri, or google to play it for you?!
Daily Verse: Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord ,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.”
☆ 1 Kings 19:4-7 NLT
Let's Talk About It: Anyone who has ever struggled with depression, suffering, anxiety, worry, fear, or grief can see that one or all of these emotions were affecting the prophet Elijah.
After calling down fire from heaven, and being used by God in a breathtaking parade of His power, Elijah is running for his life. Many people equate his emotion to fear, but I say that's not even relevant.
What is relevant is what God does here. He is understanding. He sees Elijah is about as emotionally spent as one can get; so much so that he's wishing death upon himself.
Have you ever been there, friend? Right at the brink of giving up? I have...on more than one occasion. And just as with Elijah, God was patient with me. Rather than condemn me, He allowed for rest. But not only that, God also provided for me at that time as well.
I know so many of ya'll are facing uncertainty. I know our natural inclination may be to fear, or to worry. Some may be facing extreme grief after losing multiple family members. Some of you may be facing famine and starvation. Allow me this moment to remind you, even now, God is with us (and I am praying for all of you).
It's ok to be honest with Him and let Him know just how weary you are. We serve a big God and He's big enough to listen to all of your troubles with understanding and patience. Allow Him access to your worry, fear, grief, or whatever you are facing.
Sometimes, in between our greatest sucesses we face our most solemn defeats. Some of us are dealt that card. But remember, God Himself created the deck, and He has a perfect plan for your life, even in the midst of bleak and uncertain circumstances.
Remember, we aren't living for what we receive in this life, but for who is waiting to meet us when it is over.
Additional Reading: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
☆ Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for today. God, you are so magnificent, I am in awe of your goodness and mercy. Thank you Jesus. For giving me the opportunity to spend my days with you. Lord, my world is not the way it used to be and while that makes me anxious, worried and uncomfortable, I trust you. Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief. Thank you for helping me through each day, and for giving me the rest I don't even recognize I need. Thank you, Abba, for gifting me with another opportunity to share your love, gracy and mercy with others today. Help me to be the person you created me to be. I love you Jesus, and in your name I pray, amen.