What are you doing here?

There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” –1Kings 19:9 (NIV)

Elijah was feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. What more could he do? He had orchestrated an epic showdown between YHWH and Baal in front of all the people. He had overseen the execution of 850 prophets and priests of Baal and Asherah, in accordance with the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). He had heard the people acknowledge YHWH as God.

And yet, Ahab and Jezebel were still king and queen of Israel and there was a bounty on his head. In despair, he got out of town and asked God to take his life. God’s response? “Take a nap, have something to eat, come see me.” Away from it all, God displayed His power and His majesty, then quietly and calmly hit Elijah’s reset button.

Twice God asked Elijah, “What are you doing here?” Elijah took the opportunity to unload. “Well, since you asked.…” His answer was not altogether factual, but it reflected how he felt:

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” –1Kings 19:10 (NIV)

And that was OK. The question was more rhetorical, an invitation for Elijah to think, to reflect, to hear himself assess his current state and how he had come to this point. Then God gave Elijah a new perspective, a new assignment, and the strength and courage to keep going. God still had work for Elijah to do.

Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him. –1Kings 19:18 (NIV)

This is a good example of the give and take involved in prayer. I come to God with my “stuff”. He doesn’t turn me away. In fact, He gives me the chance to lay it out and hear myself. He listens. Then He asks me to listen to His bigger picture truth. He lays His perspective alongside mine and it starts to become clear which of us is closer to right.

Not that my fears and feelings were of no consequence, just fueled by an incomplete narrative. Like Elijah, I sometimes need to step back from life and find a quiet place to have and absorb that conversation. Thankfully, I serve a God who doesn’t mind that kind of exchange.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. –Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)