Spiritual Attack

“I have had enough, Lord,” he (Elijah) said.  “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”  Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.  – 1 Kings 19:4-5

Man, do I hate spiritual attacks!  It is amazing all the negativity that can flood your mind constantly.  It is like your mind will not and cannot take a break from the barrage of self-pity.  Just yesterday, it didn’t seem like it would end.  I was so draggy and sleepy at one point, I just told God, “Lord, I need so much help . . . I’m so exhausted.”  I immediately fell asleep. 

Anytime and every time this happens, I go straight to 1 Kings 19.  Elijah was ready to die despite some of the most amazing things that had ever happened in his life.  Fire from heaven came down and destroyed the prophets of Baal.  People’s hearts were turned back to the Lord.  God had used him to perform so many miracles.  It makes me wonder how in the world he got to that place in verses 4-5.

Then again, it isn’t that hard to understand.  I can look back over the course of my life and see amazing things God has done in and through me.  I diligently seek Him and make the effort to go and make disciples.  The God of the entire universe has worked in my life!  That, in and of itself, is amazing.  Yet I still often get to that point of mental exhaustion. I get up the next morning, just like right now, and see all the evidence of His goodness.  I wonder how in the world I can’t see it in those moments that I’m losing it.  

All Elijah ended up needing was good food and rest.  The angel fed him and he slept for a good long while.  When he awoke, he received new perspective.  He was told that he wasn’t a lone ranger in all this.  There were thousands who never bowed their knees to Baal.  He was also given a new assignment . . . pass the torch to Elisha and go anoint the next king.  He thought he could go ahead and dial it in, but the Lord wasn’t through with him yet.

If there is breath in your lungs and my lungs . . . He isn’t done with us either.

Lord, thank You that Your mercies are new every morning.  Help me keep this sense of peace and keep this sense that You are ever so near to me.  Nothing happens that You don’t know about.  Nothing takes You by surprise.   Help me walk with You.  Sometimes I sprint and get ahead of You.  No wonder I tire out.  Sometimes I crawl, or even sit, and feel like I’m going nowhere.  I can walk for a long time.  Help me live this day as simply as possible.  May my life honor You today.  Amen.