Episode 366

TODAY’S READING:

3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it, and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”

1 Kings 19:3-5

 

Happy Monday!! Welcome to our mini spooky-themed devotional series.

 

Since I live in Miami it’s hard to get in the fall feeling. Our leaves never change and we don’t really get a dip in temperature.

 

But it is still a new season for us, and I like to get in the spirit of the season but turn it to remind myself of the power inside my veins.

 

So on Monday, we are going to look at the fear that haunts us.

 

In this story of the bible, we look at this man of God running away in fear. I love this story. This was a man of God. He knew the power of our creator. He mocked others for their so-called Gods. He challenged others. He made sure everyone knew the power of our Lord.

 

Then one day he was threatened by a woman named Jezebel and here we pick up the story with him running for his life.

 

What I love about this story is that I can relate to Elijah. I too know the power of my God. I too have told thousands of people how awesome He is. I too have challenged others’ thoughts of Jesus by proof of my testimony. But I, too, ran away in fear after all that.

 

I have found myself in a cave of sorts that I built to retreat too. I have been paralyzed by the fear of my past, and the fear of the unknown. I too have had God turn to me and say “Get up and eat”.

 

Today I encourage you to look at what scares you and I want you to repeat the following Psalms. Repeat these words, find a melody to match them, and sing the power of his freedom over your fear.

 

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

 

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4

 

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

 

When that doctor report comes in, sing this song. When that bank statement comes in, sing this song. When that credit score refreshes, sing these songs. When the house you were looking at gets sold, sing these songs. When your child comes home with questions and you are looking for the right words, sing these songs. When your family member isn’t recovering from their addictions, sing these songs.

 

PRAYER

Father God today we take a look at the things that paralyze us in fear. And we hear you tell us, Get up and eat. We look to your strength to get us through this season. We look to your grace to help us navigate these emotions. You know what we bathe, we know what paralyzes us and we give it to you. We love you with everything in us, it is in your son’s holy name that we pray, AMEN