Taking care of one's body is very important. Sometimes when I am depressed, I skip meals and don't get enough rest. I have learned that sometimes the best thing I can do for myself is to simply eat and rest. Nothing intense or spiritual, but to simply eat and rest. I have found that if I eat regularly and get plenty of rest that my mind, heart, and spirit do a lot better.
"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.' Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, 'Get up and eat.' He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, 'Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.' So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God."
Devotional Title: "Selfcare. It'sbiblical"
Devotional:
There are moments in life when we hit our limit—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Maybe you're there now. You’ve poured out everything, and still, nothing seems to change. Like Elijah, you sit under your own “broom tree” and whisper, “I’ve had enough, Lord.”
This prophet had just experienced a great victory on Mount Carmel, yet here he is—afraid, exhausted, and ready to give up. What does God do? He doesn’t scold Elijah. He doesn’t shame him for his weakness. Instead, He sends an angel to let him sleep, eat, and rest again.
God meets Elijah with gentleness.
This is the same God who meets you in your wilderness—not with condemnation, but with compassion. He knows your limits. He knows the journey is too much for you on your own. And so, He gives you what you need: rest for your body, bread for your soul, and strength for the next step.
Notice something powerful: Elijah didn’t snap out of it right away. He needed two touches from the angel. Two meals. Two moments of grace. God is patient with our healing.
Reflection Questions:
Ar
e you running on empty right now?
- Have you allowed yourself to rest and receive from God?
- What “bread” has He placed in front of you that you might be ignoring?
- Prayer:
Lor
d, I confess that I am weary. Like Elijah, I have moments where I feel like I’ve had enough. Thank You for not turning away from my weakness. Thank You for the gentle ways You provide—rest, nourishment, and encouragement. Help me to receive what You offer. Strengthen me for the journey ahead. Amen.
