Life is exhausting and messy. I feel so tired. I could use a break from it all sometimes. Getting away from the heartbreaks of life would be comforting. A spa day would be nice, or a week's getaway to an island retreat might be ideal.

In reality, I might be lucky enough to get in a ten minute nap. Even that could be blessed reprieve. Today's verse displays that perfectly.

God knew what Elijah needed the most in the midst of his difficulties, so he sent him to a place of solitude and refreshment. As overwhelmed and anxious as Elijah was, he never had to be concerned about the details of his stay. It had already been taken care of. He only needed to rest, eat, drink, and recover.

The excruciating pain and disappointments of life can be daunting. As Christians, some of the day-to-day challenges can seem insurmountable. Especially when you desire to live a God-honoring life. Be kind to yourself. Recognize that this is a long journey you are trodding and take the necessary steps, along the way, to pause, recoup, and gain the strength to face what comes next.

We can rejoice, as followers of God, that he cares about our physical, mental, and emotional well-beings. When the journey seems too long and hard, we can call upon and lean into our heavenly Father for help and support. Rest assured we can be confident that he will heed our call and provide a much-needed retreat as our storm-proof shelter.

Heavenly Father, each new day brings fresh challenges that have the potential to break my spirit and leave me inconsolable. In those moments, whisk me away to a place where only you and I exist so that I may heal and become stronger for what lies ahead. In Jesus' protective name I pray, amen.

Go Deeper — It seems way too common in todays’ hectic-paced world to become overwhelmed. Ask God to help you carve out some time to rest and be refreshed, and to provide the opportunity, time, and provisions to do so.



Tags: Our Life Journey 1 Kings 17
Photo Credit: Scott Dukette