Weekly Devotions

1Kings 19:9-19

There may be no feeling like the feeling of being all alone. Because we have been created to be both spiritual and social creatures, we thirst for belonging and connection. However, there are times when the choices we make and the stands we take isolate us from others, particularly those who do not share our views.

Israel had come under the influence of a leader that had abandoned all norms. The very nation that was to be an example to others through its faith tradition and commitment to justice had become perverted. A lone prophet challenged the false prophets to a contest and saw his God prevail.

Yet the victory is shorted lived and did not lead to mass repentance but a death warrant. The prophet escaped to a remote desert cave and alone he begins to ponder how he arrived at this place in his life. It seems that all he stood for and all that he tried to do to make his nation live up to their calling has failed. Depression and anxiety have him in survival mode. There are no thoughts of prophetic utterances, no stands against present injustice. He just wants to escape from it all.

But in the mouth of the cave where the prophet feels alone, God shows up. God shows up not in the acts that represent him such as fire, wind and earthquake. God shows up in a small still voice with a question of engagement-- why are you here?

The prophet quickly makes his case about what he has done to stand up to the onslaught of injustice but concedes he is only one person. The implication is that his efforts where not enough and no one else can help because they are all gone. He is the lone survivor. God quickly informs him that his work is not over and that work involves engaging others that God has already prepared to take up his fight.

The pandemic has made all of us feel isolated and alone at moments but we are not alone. There are others that God has prepared that stand ready to service and aid us in this moment of crisis. There are neighbors making calls to check on neighbors. There are churches placing worship services on websites. There are nonprofits providing meals. There are the prayers of the faithful that call your name in prayer.

You may feel alone but you are not alone. There is a God who has promised never to leave us alone and He is faithful to His word.