Today’s scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-8 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Kristin Herrmann):
Have you ever heard the phrase, When one door closes, another door opens? It’s a piece of advice filled with hope and optimism. It’s a pearl of wisdom that applies to almost every difficult situation, and it’s a mantra easier believed when life is going well.
In today’s scripture, Elijah feels as though the door has closed when Jezebel threatens to kill him. He flees into the desert and prays for death as an end to his situation. He is not in a place where he can believe another door will open.
Humanity guarantees shared experiences, and one of those is situational depression. It may come in the way of a lost promotion, yet another rejected employment application, a denied college application or grant, diagnosis of a chronic medical condition, the end of a special relationship, the death of a loved one, or the exposure of a secret. The facts will differ, but the mixture of anger, sadness, fear, and denial brings about a common, suffocating pain.
What do we do while we wait for that hidden door to (seemingly) magically appear? Our scripture reading tells us; we need to eat. We need to give our body the nourishment it needs for the journey ahead. Sip some water. Nibble on a cracker. Slurp some soup. Give yourself a fighting chance to recognize the new door. “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!”
Thought for the day: How can I take care of myself as I navigate my current journey?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.