Devotion
What doest thou here?
David Jacobs
In my teenage years I was in love with a beautiful girl. We dated for many years after that, growing to be best friends. Eventually, we realized that we wanted to go our separate ways. We spent so much of our time together that it was difficult to adapt to being alone. I became insecure that her family and our mutual friends no longer liked me and that I was alone. It took me a long time to understand that we were simply not meant to be together and the friendship that we had was still strong.
Elijah is fleeing from Jezebel in these verses, fearing for his life, thinking that he is alone. In his moment of terror, God approaches him, asking him what he is doing. Elijah tells God that he has been devoted to God and that he is the only believer left in Israel. Similar to how I felt at my low point post-breakup, it can feel that way sometimes. Also similar to my situation, Elijah was not abandoned. He was scared and felt alone and helpless. God reassured him that he was not alone, because God was there and also told him that there were still 7000 true believers in Israel.
If you feel alone, like I have, like Elijah did, do not despair. Turn to the Lord and he will reassure you. In your moment of fear, listen to God asking you what you are doing. Answer Him with prayer and you will be comforted. He is our shepherd and will lead you where you need to go.
Prayer
O Lord my shepherd, I shall not want. Strengthen my heart in my times of despair, reminding me to go to you when I feel alone. I forget, my God, that you have never abandoned me and never will. I pray that you also comfort others that feel that they are alone, granting me the wisdom to notice and comfort them, as you have noticed and comforted me. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Inspiration
We despise the thought of a pile of dirty dishes in the sink. The outside is easy to clean; it's the caked-up residue on the inside that's so difficult to remove. Jesus compares the scribes and Pharisees with dishes that have been wiped clean on the outside while dirty inside. The Pharisees took exceptional care of their outward appearance and neglected their inward spirits. We are guilty of allowing our hearts to be left filthy as well. We look and act as we should while our souls are full of darkness. We must continue to converse with the Holy Spirit daily and trust His guidance to cleanse our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, Please forgive our sinful nature. We yearn for cleansing from within, so we are genuine witnesses to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
