But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors." - I Kings 19:4

Elijah is often portrayed as the greatest of the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures. His story is told in exquisite detail. I am sure you are all familiar with the dramatic event on Mt. Carmel where Elijah held a contest between Yahweh and the Prophets of Baal. Yahweh won the contest decisively when he sent down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. The people were impressed and declared that "The LORD indeed is God; the LORD indeed is God."

However, King Ahab issued a decree that Elijah should be hunted down and killed. The people turned on Elijah and he escaped into the desert and became desperately discouraged. He sat down under a broom tree and asked God to take his life. In the great oratorio, "Elijah" by Felix Mendelssohn, he falls asleep and the angels try to raise his spirits by singing the aria, "Lift thine eyes to the mountains." Then the chorus sings the well-known "He watching over Israel slumbers not nor sleeps." It is interesting that Elijah needs to be reminded of this, since he was the one that claimed on Mt. Carmel that the god Baal might be sleeping.

Elijah arises and resumes his journey to Mt. Horeb where he meets the Lord, not in the storm, but in a still, small voice. Yahweh convinces him to resume his role as a prophet to Israel. According to scripture God never did take his life, but eventually took him directly to heaven in a chariot of fire.

In the impatience of our youth, we sometimes feel that our work is fruitless. When we try so hard and do not see lasting results, we imagine that God has abandoned us. But as we mature in patience, we discover that God is usually found in the ordinary events of our lives. Our call is not to be successful, but to be faithful. Since God often speaks in a still, small voice, it behooves us to be still and know that God is our refuge. As the storm rages about us, He is in control and we can rest in that assurance. When Jesus uttered the words, "Peace, be still." to calm the storm on Galilee, was he really speaking to the storm or to the frightened disciples in the boat?

Prayer: Eternal God, as we languish in grief, quicken us that we may rise up and resume the task that has been given us. In the midst of the storm you cry out, "Peace, be Still." and as the storm abates in our hearts, we become open to your voice of comfort. In the stillness, you restore our confidence and give us the courage to move on. Give us peace, O Lord. Amen.