For the past 6 weeks or so, I have been doing this study on Elijah (written by Priscilla Shirer). One daily devotional study focused on rest! That specific day, I was exhausted. How timely, right? Coincidence? I think not!

You see Elijah had just proven to all people that God was the only true God. He prayed and asked God to show himself to the people at Mount Carmel. Soon after, He killed all the false prophets, but then found himself becoming the target. He ran for his life bringing us to this point.

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord , take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” 1 Kings 19:4‭-‬7 ESV

Who else feels like they just did a lot this past week with the desire to glorify God and felt like they just ran through the wilderness? Or maybe you feel defeated like your efforts didn’t make much change? We can work hard in the things God has called us to, but never take breaks. We can feel guilty for taking time to take care of ourselves! Scripture reveals that even the disciples after all of their ministering barely had time to rest and eat because of their mission for God. Yet Jesus encouraged them to eat and rest in a desolate place.

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Mark 6:30‭-‬32 ESV

So I asked myself, “have you really been taking good care of yourself?” The answer… not like I could!

It was a lovely reminder that God doesn’t want us neglecting our physical needs and health. God didn’t tell Elijah to wake up as soon as he laid His head. He let Elijah rest and then he fed Elijah so that He had the strength to continue serving Him. God is more than aware of our need to just take a break! We need to get on board with God’s example! Jesus always made room to rest!

God is all for us resetting and pausing life for restoration and for us to continue to do His work! As I read about Elijah, I saw myself to some extent. After working so hard, I just crashed! ” I don’t want to do anything, God”, I would say. And I honestly felt God was like ok and I’ll tuck you in and let you sleep for some time. As far as I’m concerned, the dishes can wait. The clothes can stay unfolded. And whatever else waiting on me just needs to stay paused!

Why?

Because TODAY I rest!

Pause for some time and take care of you!