Day 3 — Elijah Under the Tree

“Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’”

— 1 Kings 19:5 (BSB)

Elijah was one of the boldest prophets who ever lived. He had just stood on a mountain against 450 false prophets, and God had sent fire from heaven to prove He was the true God. It was an amazing victory!

But right afterward, a wicked queen named Jezebel threatened to kill him. And Elijah, the fearless prophet, ran for his life.

He ran into the wilderness, sat down under a broom tree, and told God he’d had enough. He felt like giving up. He was exhausted, scared and completely worn out. He felt alone, as if he was the only one left who still followed God.

Maybe you know a little of how that feels. Maybe you’ve had days when you just feel down, low and heavy. When you don’t want to do anything. When everything seems hopeless.

Look at what God did for Elijah. He didn’t yell at him. He didn’t tell him to toughen up. He let him sleep. Then an angel woke him up and said, “Get up and eat.” There was fresh bread and a jar of water. Elijah ate, drank and slept some more. Then the angel came back and fed him again.

God knew Elijah was a whole person: body, mind and spirit. Sometimes the first thing a discouraged man needs isn’t a lecture. It’s rest and a good meal!

Later, God met with Elijah, spoke to him gently, and gave him a friend and helper named Elisha. (You’ll learn more about him in Week 5.) He wasn’t alone after all.

When you’re feeling down:

• Take care of your body. Get some sleep, eat something good, drink water, get outside.
• Tell God how you feel. Elijah did. God can handle it.
• Tell someone. You’re not as alone as you feel. Talk to your dad, mom or another grown-up you trust.
• Remember what God has done before.

And this is important: if you feel sad or hopeless most of the time, for a long time, or ever feel like you don’t want to be alive, tell a parent or trusted adult right away. That’s not weakness. It’s brave. There are people, like doctors and counselors, whose job is to help, and God often uses them to strengthen us, just like He sent the angel to Elijah.

Think about it: Why do you think God gave Elijah food and sleep before He talked to him?

Try this: Next time you feel low, try Elijah’s plan: rest, eat something healthy, get outside, and then talk to God and someone you trust.

Dear God, thank You for the way You cared for Elijah when he felt like giving up. When I feel down, help me take care of my body, talk to You, and tell someone I trust. Thank You that I’m never as alone as I feel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.