Verse:
“Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.’ Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, ‘Get up and eat!’”
— 1 Kings 19:4–5 (NLT)
Devotional Thought:
This is one of the most relatable moments in all of Scripture—not because of the miracle, but because of the raw honesty.
Elijah was done.
This wasn’t just physical exhaustion—it was emotional, mental, and spiritual burnout. He had done everything right, been faithful, watched God show up in power… and yet here he was, running for his life and feeling like a failure. “I have had enough, Lord.” That sentence echoes in the hearts of many of us who’ve reached their limit.
I’ve been there. In moments when my mind was spinning, my emotions heavy, and hope felt far away, I whispered similar words: “I can’t do this anymore.” But something unexpected happened. After a long nap—hours lost to exhaustion and emotional overload—I woke up, and the world looked just a little less dark. Not fixed. Not perfect. But survivable. One more day became possible.
This passage reminds me that sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do isn’t to push harder—it’s to rest. Elijah didn’t need a sermon. He didn’t need a divine pep talk. He needed sleep and a meal. And God provided both. No condemnation. Just care.
God isn’t repelled by our lowest moments. He meets us there. He sees us under our “broom trees”—tired, worn down, and ready to give up—and sends what we truly need. A reset. A breath. A bite to eat. A reminder that we’re not alone, and the story isn’t over yet.
For anyone navigating depression, burnout, or mental health battles, this moment is a lifeline. It tells us: God sees. God cares. And God provides—even when all we can do is sleep.
Reflection Questions:
- Can you recall a time when rest helped shift your perspective during a dark moment?
- What are your current “broom tree” signals—that point when you need to slow down before burnout takes over?
- How can you give yourself permission to rest, trusting that God works even in those quiet, weary moments?
Prayer:
Lord, I’m thankful that You are the God who doesn’t shame me when I’m at my end. When I’ve had enough, You don’t walk away. You come close. You offer rest. You offer sustenance. You remind me that I am not alone. Teach me to rest well—in body, mind, and spirit. And help me offer that same grace to others who are weary and overwhelmed. Thank You for being my reset when I can’t keep going. Amen.
Related Verses for Deeper Study:
- Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
- Matthew 11:28–29 – “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
- Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”
- Romans 8:26 – “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…”
