He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. . . . I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:14)
Expanded Passage: 1 Kings 19:13-18
Isn’t it weird how we handle ourselves at the beginning of a potential relationship? We can be so superficial on a first date, afraid that the other person is going to see our imperfections and run the other way. I know I struggled quite a bit with those sorts of insecurities with my wife in our early years until, at one point, she simply told me during one conversation, “I wish you’d just be honest with me.”
What a freeing experience that was, to stop trying to put on this perfect façade and show up fully myself, warts and all. It deepened our relationship in ways I never knew possible.
Elijah had this sort of relationship with God. In this verse, he airs all the dirty laundry of how he feels directly to God; we see the same sort of transparency in a number of the psalms. There is a boldness in being able to ask God, “Why?”
Elijah’s exchange with God illustrates the kind of relationship God seeks with us. In the midst of hard times when not much makes sense, it is okay to call upon God and to admit we are broken and need his reassurance and guidance.
When I feel myself holding back—both in my relationship with my wife and with God—I have found it very helpful to reengage with honest dialogue.
Be honest even when it is uncomfortable.
John Zaktansky is the youth group leader at Port Ann Wesleyan Church in central Pennsylvania and oversees youth ministry at an annual family camp.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
