We celebrated a nap time breakthrough a few weeks ago. All on her own, Karen stuck her thumb in her mouth, rolled over, and conked out for a two-hour siesta.
If that doesn't seem like a big deal to you, you've probably never rocked a sleeping baby until your appendages went numb.
Over the next several days, Karen really got the hang of soothing herself to sleep. It wasn't until her doctor's appointment this past Friday that we encountered a hiccup in her new routine.
Karen received 5 different vaccines, which not only made her cry in the moment, but also left her with side-effects that made her extra cranky all weekend. Consequently, she was too restless to nap all on her own. She needed the extra reassurance of my arms in order to feel secure enough to rest.
As I rocked my little girl to sleep and did my best to comfort her, I began to think about how our loving Father comforts His children in the midst of trials.
At one time or another, we each find ourselves in circumstances that shake us to our core. Like the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19, we might long to run away and take cover under a shrub.
I know I've been there. The next time you find yourself in a dire situation, it may be helpful to reflect on how God lovingly met Elijah in the midst of his despair, and raised him up to fulfill his calling:
The lesson? Prayers don't have to be pretty. When we feel hopeless, we may not be able to express anything more than our misery. Start there. Just as a loving parent can handle a child's spit-up, Our Heavenly Father can handle the mess we spew. It's okay to collapse in His Presence. See Luke 18:9-14.
2. Get Up and Eat • 1 Kings 19:5-9
Although it's tempting to wallow in depression or worry, reach for the Bible instead. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to passages that will bring you strength and courage.
Not sure where to start? Click here for 20 Comforting Scriptures.
3. Evaluate, then Pick Out God's Voice • 1 Kings 19:9-13
Just as Elijah knew that God wasn't in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, it's important for us to learn to distinguish God's whisper. False voices might come in the form of emotional responses, misinterpreted Scripture, or even the advice of well-intentioned friends. It's important to test what you hear against the Truth of God's Word. See Philippians 1:9-10.
4. Now Reevaluate • 1 Kings 19:13-14
Some interpret the Name El Shaddai to mean both sustainer and destroyer. Perhaps at this point in his journey, Elijah has found courage as he remembers how God has sustained him and also destroyed his enemies.
As you reflect on the past and begin to look ahead, remember that God will be there to sustain you and protect you. See Matthew 7:7-9 and Isaiah 41:10-14.
As you reflect on the past and begin to look ahead, remember that God will be there to sustain you and protect you. See Matthew 7:7-9 and Isaiah 41:10-14.
5. Get Going • 1 Kings 19:15-16
Just like Jezebel, the enemy of our souls won't give up. Temptations and trials may come at us from all angles, but we can face them with courage. Believe that the Father is with you, and go in His strength wherever He leads. See Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 43:1-2; and Matthew 28:20.
So what's making you restless?
How can you put fears aside and find security in God's arms? What dream would you pursue if you knew—without a doubt—that El Shaddai was on your side?
How can you put fears aside and find security in God's arms? What dream would you pursue if you knew—without a doubt—that El Shaddai was on your side?
