THE depression of Elijah, which we dubbed as “The Elijah Syndrome” shows us how we must never underestimate our need for rest; literally rest as the angel instructed -- “Eat, sleep, eat” -- for such practical admonition is the immediate response by which we address crisis and prepare for a long journey. As it says “for the journey is too much for you”.
Physical rest is not an end in itself, nor should it be treated as luxury. It is a non-negotiable need. Having stated that truth, let us also remember that prolonged rest may lead to a life of laziness and indifference. Elijah must connect his rest to the journey he must go through to meet God on the mountain of the Lord! Mt. Sinai was Elijah’s destination...a holy spot where God thundered His commandments to Moses but where God spoke in a gentle whisper to Elijah!
God speaks any way He wants to speak. Honestly, God’s powerful shout is awesome and His gentle whisper is really unusual. Let’s take time to hear the thunders of the supernatural and listen to the gentle voice of the unusual. Elijah heard, but the real issue is...did he really listen? God’s whispers of grace are much needed for a wounded soul. Try this: the only way out from the webs of complications we got ourselves into is to listen again to the gentle whispers of our Shepherd. Here are some thoughts for us to quietly ponder:
Omnipotence can be small
God being so big is a given. God becoming small is a holy mystery of incarnation. His voice is heard in a whisper? Along with this “smallness” of God come these precious gifts of grace...the wonder of incarnation, the Humility of the Divine, the gift of Silence, the Strength of Simplicity, the Joy of Surrender.
Ordinary life removes the pressure of proving and performing
Free from the demands of the office of a prophet, God called Ezra for a 40-day journey to Mt. Horeb where they would meet. The humor behind it is...why would Elijah need to journey when God could meet him where he was?
As we prayerfully ponder on this matter, we see the humor melt and slowly see a precious gem, the 40-day journey mysteriously gave Elijah time to reflect about being ordinary and obscure again. Perhaps, the spiritual and political influence he possessed had somehow contributed to his depression? Being ordinary helps remove the pressure to be noticed.
Releasing Elijah from the bondage of overdoing and over-expecting helped.