“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” 1 Kings 19:4
Elijah prayed this desperate prayer after one of the greatest victories of his life. He had called fire down from heaven to consume a water-soaked sacrifice. He had witnessed God publicly prove His power before an entire nation. He had defeated hundreds of false prophets and prophesied the end of a devastating drought.
Yet only a short time later, the same prophet who stood boldly on Mount Carmel sat alone beneath a juniper tree asking God to take his life.
How could someone experience such a spiritual high and then fall into such a deep low?
The answer is simple: spiritual victories do not exempt us from human struggles.
Many of us know what it feels like to have a powerful Sunday service. We worship with passion, pray with faith, and leave church encouraged. We feel strong and victorious. Then Monday morning arrives. The bills are still due. Family challenges remain. Ministry pressures return. Temptations resurface. The mountain-top experience gives way to the reality of everyday life.
Elijah’s story reminds us that what we do in our low moments matters.
Wrong ways to deal with the lows:
- Isolation – Elijah went into the wilderness alone.
- No Movement – He sits down by a tree. His movement is stalled. He becomes comfortable in his depression.
- Attitude – “Let me die.” Discouragement was his companion.
Sometimes the ups and downs of your day can wreak havoc on your life. As Christians, we shouldn’t base our walk with God on the public victories.
Right ways to deal with the lows:
- Socialize – Go out for coffee with a friend, invite people over, or go to a group Bible study.
- Move Around – Go to the store, attend church, turn worship music on, and dance before the Lord.
- Speak Faith – Encourage yourself in the Lord. Declare promises from the Word of God. Dismiss untruths from your mind.
The beautiful part of Elijah’s story is that God did not abandon him beneath the juniper tree. God met him there. He provided rest, nourishment, and direction for the journey ahead. God has a plan for you during the low times. And, just because you are not where you want to be, doesn’t mean you are outside of the will of God. Continue to preserver and seek God’s will.
