If you need nourishment for the journey, get it.

So often, people feel that if they are spiritual, or religious, or subscribe to a specific faith community, then they are expected to weather life’s storms in a specific way.

Because today I am contemplating the arrival of life’s challenging situations (whether you have faith or not), I am reposting a blog that was written for the “thirty days of prayer” sponsored by the Trinity UCC 20 Something Ministry.

I am not one who believes that being a person of faith, and seeking professional help when necessary are at all mutually exclusive. If you need help, get it.

May you find the nourishment you need for your journey.

This was originally published in 2012; the blog was eventually taken down. Below is what was published:

Scripture:

1 Kings 19:4-8 (NIV):

I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

Meditation:

How difficult is the journey that you are travelling? What is the thing in your life that you think may be too much for you? Sometimes we become so overwhelmed by life and circumstances that we dare to think that “we have had enough,” and we beg the Lord to take our burdens from us. Sometimes it gets so dark that we dare to ask God to take our lives. But scripture tells us that even when we are exhausted to the point where we pray that “hit rock bottom” type of prayer, an angel of the Lord will remind us what we need to do to keep going—to remind us that physical and mental strength is necessary in order to be that which God called us to be. Perhaps you are doubting that you have what it takes? Remember: You may have many doubts, but never doubt that the God that has called you will support you and provide you with all you need. Perhaps you don’t feel like you deserve to take the time that you need to prepare yourself for the journey. You are worth it. Remember: God wants to make sure we have what we need for our journey, whatever it may be.

Get up and eat—for the journey is too much for you.

Sometimes we get stuck, and find ourselves in situations that we believe we can’t get out of. But that doesn’t have to be the end of the story. God is continually inviting us, beckoning us to embrace life. God has hope for us, even when we don’t have hope for ourselves. God provides for us.

Thank goodness.

Get up and eat—for the journey is too much for you.

Prayer:

Lord thank You that whatever our journey, no matter how much despair we may feel, You remind us that we have what it takes to be victorious. You remind to us to take the time to prepare for the journey we face. Thank you that whatever our challenges, if we turn to you, you will provide us with what we need to meet them. When we are tired, we can rest in your everlasting arms. When we need sustenance, you remind us to eat, and you direct our path to the right source of nourishment. Thank you that when we feel alone, You remind us that we are never alone. We are never forgotten. Thank You for your presence, and for answering our prayers. Amen.