by Jeffrey Bush
“And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” — 1 Kings 19:10, 14
We are very familiar with this portion of Scripture, the moment when Elijah was running from Jezebel and hiding in a cave. He becomes very discouraged, and we find some insight about the topic. God has him rest, eat, rest, and eat some more. Though the passage continues on, and God speaks to Him, there’s wisdom in the taking care of the physical aspects as well as the spiritual. There’s a time to rest, a sabbath for your body, and a needed replenishment, or there will certainly be more discouragement.
But in this specific verse, Elijah has an attitude problem that affects his present and his future. He says, “I, even I only, am left.” He is convinced that he is the only one living for God. God is going to answer his complaint, but only after Elijah is told his punishment for his attitude. God doesn’t seem to overlook his attitude, and though it seems harsh, Elijah is told to replace himself with Elisha. Self-pity usually ends in self-destruction.
We would be wrong to conclude that God will have us replaced when we have a pity party, but we would be wise to not forget this specific example. God is a forgiving and merciful God, but it is clear that there are times when God says that’s enough. God requires more from those He uses. Yes, there are times everyone gets discouraged, feels bad, and even wants to quit, but don’t stay long in the tailspin or it will take you down. God encourages and lifts His servants, but there are apparently times that He says it is enough. Be careful not to think you are the only one. Be careful not to believe that your life is the most difficult. If the Lord is truly your Shepherd, your complaints are ultimately against Him. God still has the seven thousand that have not bowed the knee (vs. 18), but Elijah’s attitude caused him to believe he was the only one. His attitude was to his detriment. Self-pity = self-destruction.
