Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Elijah Project #7: The Broom Tree


I would like to redefine the BroomTree.  Elijah finds himself in the desert huddled under a BroomTree.  He finds himself exhausted, worn out and depressed.  He has yelled at God while running a days journey into the wilderness.  He asked God to take his life.  He said:  "I have had enough, Lord,"  he said "Take my life;  I am no better than my ancestors."  I Kings 19:3  God gave Elijah a resting place, a BroomTree.

Elijah's BroomTree was literal.  It was a juniper tree that provided shelter  and covereing for Elijah during his deepest place of need.  The BroomTree looks very different for me.  I don't huddle under a tree, ever!  But my thick down comforter is a BroomTree.  I cover up, blankets to my chin and feel the thickness, the weight of my bed clothes.  I also find solace when I pull out my journal and write down everything I am feeling.  I meet Jesus when I walk out on the bike trail behind my house.  When I feel the breeze on my face, see the sun hanging in the sky and watch the water move under the bridge.  Those are my BroomTrees.

I give you permission to redefine your BroomTree.  Sit for a moment and imagine your safe spaces.  Make a plan to visit your BroomTree today... even if it is just for 5 minutes!


The Elijah Project #8: Hearing God's Voice

There is so much mystery around "hearing God's voice."  This weekend in our Sunday morning Bible Study our pastor asked the question:  "In what context do you learn the most about Jesus - where, when, how and why?"  The question invited interesting comments.  Most of the group said they heard from Jesus when they were suffering.  I listened to the lively discussion and insightful thoughts.  I realized that I learn most about Jesus, God, The Trinity when I stop long enough to meditate on a piece of Scripture. 

I read scripture all the time.  I do a minium of two devotions every morning with my kids and for myself.  I read scripture to prepare for Bible study, youth group and other teaching opportunities.  But I rarely read, stop and then journal about scripture.  For me this is where I get the full beauty, breadth and meaning of God's word.  This is when I hear God's voice.

As we wrap our study on Elijah's journey with God, Protector and Provider - we see a vision of God in 1 Kings 19:9-13.  God was not in the wind.  God was not in the earthquake.  God was not in the fire.  Instead, Elijah heard God as a gentle whisper.  God's revelation of Himself again reminds us that He doesn't barge into the chaos of the earthquake of our life.  He is present  and waits for the pause, speaking in a gentle whisper.

In order to hear His gentle whisper, we must participate by slowing down long enough to listen.

I pray this journey has  been as beneficial for you as it has been for me.

My Name is I AM
           Helen Mallicoat

I was regretting the past
And fearing the Future
Suddenly my Lord was speaking.
My name is I Am.
He paused... I waited.....
He continued....

When you live in the past 
With its mistakes and regrets it is hard.
I am not there.
My name is not I WAS

When you live in the Future
With its problems and Fears it is hard.
I am not there.
My name is not I WIll BE

When you live in this moment
It is not hard.
I am here.

My name is
I AM