Thank You, Father, for a good day overall – good services this morning, a good and fulfilling time this afternoon in an annual church business meeting, and a quiet late afternoon with family. Thank You, Father, for the blessing of life.
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Today has been beautiful. We had some rain pass through this morning before we awoke but after that, it was a bit overcast then the sun was so bright that even with my shades and the car’s visors it was blinding. We really couldn’t ask for better weather.
I’ve been here for over an hour trying to write…to no avail. I usually play instrumental music as I sit here – it drowns out conversation or the TV as my family enjoys themselves. (I’m at the dining room table, and they’re in the living room.) It works quite well.
But nothing is coming to mind. I’ve gone down several rabbit holes…and nothing. Even the normal music I listened to seemed to be distracting me, so I looked up “white noise” on Spotify and ended up with a podcast from Relaxing White Noise – it’s almost 8 hours of Forest Rain Sounds.
So, here I sit “in the rain” and in it, I decided to just start writing.
In the Old Testament book of 1 Kings 19, a story is told about the prophet Elijah, a mighty man of God. Right before this passage, God used him to send a very clear message to the rebellious King Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel and his wicked wife Jezebel. Elijah literally prayed down fire from heaven that consumed a saturated offering – bull, wood, stones, water, and all! (Read 1 Kings 18 – it’s an exciting story!)
So, after this great victory over evil, Elijah crashed. He hid in fear that Jezebel would take him out. He’s in a cave far away (he trekked for 40 days and nights!), hoping to never be found…and he’s feeling sorry for himself.
But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” vs9b-10
The Lord then directed him to stand before Him on the mountain. There was a great wind that tore rocks from the mountain itself. There was an earthquake then fire, but God was in none of those. Lastly, there was the sound of a gentle whisper.
When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” v12c-13
There is more to the story, but as I sit here “in the rain” I can’t help but wonder if God is asking the same of me… “What are you doing here, Thom?” and I’m not exactly sure what to say…it just seems easier to hide my face…
Now I haven’t had any huge “battles” recently but it’s often easy to wonder, what am I doing here? I have served faithfully and often it feels like it’s just not enough. I am still here and feel like I should have gotten somewhere by now. I truly feel that I am where God wants me to be, so why should I worry or fret. God uses me as He will. And I just have to trust Him, as I sit back and let the sounds of rain wash over me.
Lord may Your will be done in me. Amen.
May 1st, 2022, Sun, 7:28 pm
