Monday, December 16, 2013

Under the Juniper Tree at Christmas Time

Under the Juniper Tree at Christmas Time
I Kings 19:4 states, “But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.”  
       Elijah was depressed after Jezebel had slain the prophets.  Chief musician are you depressed now that it time for all the activities of Christmas.  Are you depressed?  How did you get in this mess this close to the blessed time of Christ’s birth?  Is jezebel after you because you didn’t give her a solo in the Christmas program?  Are some of the tight wad board members complaining that you have spent too much money?  Did God hear you say this morning,”It is enough, I quit”?  Are you, at this moment, looking for a juniper tree?  Have you gone about a day’s journey into the wilderness of depression? 
       Elijah had forgotten that Jehovah had just answered his prayer by fire from heaven and that God had sent a great rain upon the land. When Elijah had prayed a simple prayer and God had answered and now Elijah was soaked in self-pity and was deeply depressed.  How could he have been so depressed as to wish to die?
       Are you catching on?  How can we, as chief musicians, wonder how Elijah could have been so depressed, but we get depressed over much smaller issues than Jezebel killing God’s prophets.  So, learn from the story of Elijah that we must never forget what god has done for us time and time again throughout our Christian walk with Christ.  Do not let a current situation keep you from enjoying this Christmas season.

No comments:

Post a Comment