The stressful life has certain characteristics. Being overwhelmed, frustrated and burdened weigh heavy on us. It is easy to feel offended, negative and hopeless in the heart. Common feelings and results of stress occur affecting our emotions. We usually neglect self care in the midst of stress because there is too much to do or we are exhausted.
The prophet Elijah knew stressful situations.
God used Elijah dramatically in defeating the 450 prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. (I Kings 18:15-40)
After his victory over the wicked King Ahab, Elijah’s courage wanes. The stress negatively affected him. Weary and scared of Jezebel’s death threat, he ran for his life.
Elijah had just seen dramatic victory, but now hoped to die. Exhausted, he sat under a broom tree and felt sorry for himself. “I’ve had enough,“he declared. He went from being victor to being victim.
When stress is high and self-care is low, it’s easy for us to want to quit.
The story doesn’t end with Elijah’s pity party. God had the final word for him.
Elijah fell asleep under the tree. His body needed rest and recovery.
Over the course of time, God sent an angel with food and drink to nourish him. When he was strengthened, he traveled to the mountain of God.
The Lord spoke, asking why Elijah is hiding in the cave. Still embracing self-pity (“I’m the only one left.”), Elijah made his case.
God would not leave him alone in his pity. He asked Elijah to stand in the mountain in the presence of God and wait for the Lord.
While waiting, he faced more stress. Elijah experienced extreme wind, powerful earthquake, and intense fire.
Afterward, he heard the gentle whisper from God. God provided peace and direction after the stressful storm.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23.
Four lessons from Elijah’s stressful situations
- A successful victory in spiritual warfare is stressful and can lead to exhaustion. When exhausted, we have a skewed perception and want to quit.
- Self care is important. Getting rest and nourishment helps strengthen the body as well as the soul. A stressed person can stimulate endorphins released by regular activity and exercise. Studies on the cause and effect relationship between exercise and stress strongly suggest that physical activity h elps the brain cope with and respond to stress. Physical activity as simple as a daily walk is a powerful weapon against stress.
- Allow time for recovery from a stressful situation. God is a safe refuge. Rest replenishes the weary soul.
- Guard your heart so you can hear from God. Stress has a way of orienting us toward the things that are wrong in our lives. It is important to guard our hearts and minds against negativity and pessimism. By remembering God’s character and faithfulness we gain a better perspective to hear God.
Elijah’s life offers insights on how to cope with stressful situations in our lives.
Effective self-care of body and soul are critical.
Guarding our hearts against self-pity, bitterness, and negativity will keep us more tuned in to hear God’s still, small voice in the midst of storms.
Think about it: Everything you do flows from your heart. How do you guard your heart when in a stressful situation?
