1 Kings 19:9 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?”

Elijah had confronted King Ahab; shamed the followers of Baal; caused the people of Israel to fall on their faces and proclaim that the Lord is God; and killed 450 prophets of Baal. Then fear overcame him and he fled to the desert.

Indeed, what doubt crept into Elijah that he had taken flight? The Lord is not quizzing Elijah because He doesn’t know what happened. Nor do I think He is rebuking him for his frailties. The Lord asks him why is he here so Elijah may reflect upon his own situation.

The Lord shows empathy for Elijah as He tells him the “journey is too much for you.” He has an angel supply him with food and water. He tells Elijah to rest. Finally, in the verses ahead, the Lord speaks to Elijah in a small still voice that gives him instruction; encourages him to proceed with his mission; explains that help is on the way and gives him hope for the future.

Sometimes we feel spent, discouraged, beaten, overwhelmed and simply that the journey is too much for us. But just as He was there for Elijah, the Lord God is ready to give us rest, nourish our souls, shore us up and go forth with us each step of the journey ahead. We have hope for the future.