Dave’s Monday Blast – November 23, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.

Jesus certainly forewarned us in John 16:33 that, “In this world we WILL have troubles…but remember, I have overcome the world.” In 1 Kings 19 we read the account of the Prophet Elijah on the run for his life. Queen Jezebel is after him for what happened in chapter 18. As a result, he ends up hiding in a cave, isolated, seemingly all alone and abandoned by God. Please take a few minutes right now to read this account. It is a beautiful conversation between our loving Heavenly Father, and one of His dear children in a moment of distress.

Almost everyone I know has recently commented that they wished they had a place to “run to,” a place where they can “hole up” until the storm passes; if it never passes. These are indeed difficult and worrisome days. But we can not escape the challenges before us today any more than we could yesterday, or last year for that matter. I also do not believe our Lord intends for us to hide in a cave until His return. I do believe He intends for us to survive our current circumstances by “living according to His Word.”

Five “Secrets for Surviving our Cave Times” : Spend some time this a.m. in the Word.

1. Psalm 142:1 & 2 – RELEASE my concerns to God. Cry, Life, Pour, Tell. Your only options are confession or repression/depression.

2. Psalm 142: 4 & 5 and Psalm 57 – REST in God’s care. Refuge, Refuge, Refuge, Refuge. Don’t even attempt to control.

3. Psalm 142:6 – RECOGNIZE my powerlessness. They are too strong for me.

4. Psalm 57:2 & 3b – REMEMBER that God has a purpose for me. He always fulfills His purposes. Do I believe that God is in the cave with me, working His perfect plan?

5. Psalm 57:7 & 8 – RE-FOCUS through music. Sing, Awaken my Soul, Awaken the Dawn.

What God says to Elijah in v. 15 of chapter 19 is a powerful reminder for us in our cave times: “Go, Return“! In faith we are to press on. But INTENTIONAL men of God know that this is easier said than done. How do we put on the boots, tie up the laces, and walk out of the cave? The Apostle Paul gives us some advice in Philippians 1:27 – 30:

1 STAND FIRM – DO NOT GIVE UP
2. STICK TOGETHER – DON’T GO IT ALONE
3. STAY CONFIDENT – DON’T BE AFRAID

Throughout this week I encourage you to read Psalm 37; 63 and 141.