UNDER THE JUNIPER TREE

Reading from I Kings 19 

This passage really spoke to me today, particularly verses 4-8.  Elijah was running from Jezebel.  His faith and zeal had been great just before when he slew Baal's prophets but in these verses, he was weary and tired.  He needed to get away and be refreshed.  God seemed to understand this well.  He didn't fight him or chastise him.  Instead, He helped him rest under the shade of the sweet-smelling juniper tree and He fed him and gave him water.  He allowed him time to rest.  The world hadn't stopped whirling, nothing stopped moving.   Life went on around him as usual but for a period of time, Elijah stood still and rested to regain his strength.  This led me to believe that there was a great season ahead for this prophet.

This is how I presently feel.  I am living this at this moment.  I feel weary and tired.  I still love God and believe He is for me and my family and that great things are coming for us and our and His church...but I need strength.  I have been running and that has left me depleted, tired and even frustrated with my natural circumstances.  I've been living too fast-paced for too long.  This is now my season for rest, renewal and restoration.  I'm resting under the juniper tree being fed by the Lord's angel and drinking his refreshing water.  Every so often I just dose off, resting my mind, body, and soul, because soon I will need to arise and move on again.