Rekindled

by Rocky Fleming

Day Five – In the Shadow

He who [dwells in the shelter of the Most High] will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”(Psalms 91:1-3 AMP)  

If there is a condition of agitation with sheep, they cannot rest.  They can be easily spooked.  They are harassed and nervous.  Therefore, this is something a good shepherd watches out for as he tends his flock.  As far as sheep go, when frightened they look for protection for they have no means of self-protection.  After all, who keeps an attack-sheep to safeguard property?  I know of no pit-sheep where people wager on the outcome of a pit fight?  I’ve never even seen a sheep biting or clawing anyone or even a predator attacking them?  Can you imagine sheep kicking a predator for defense?  It would be like being hit with a soft pillow.  No, sheep require protection and they know it.  That is why they are not extinct.  Their form of defense is to have a shepherd to protect them and run into his protection.  The safest sheep and the less agitated sheep are the ones who stay very close to their shepherd.  The safest of the safe are found lying in the shadow of their shepherd, which is the closest proximity they can have.  

This is the thought being conveyed in the Scripture above about God’s family and the safety we find in Him when we abide in His shadow.  There is a debate as to who wrote this beautiful Psalm.  It could have been either Moses or David.  Both men had been shepherds and knew sheep well.  So, the visual picture presented comes from the personal experience of either of the two men.  Both men had their times of despair.  Both men had to run and find God’s help.  Both men found the shadow of Almighty God in their desperate moments, and this Scripture is their story.  But it can be yours as well, for there is room in the shadow for you.When spiritual burnout happens we need a break from the fears, the frustrations, the long-term trials we have been enduring, and the agitation to our spirit.  We need God’s help.  His form of help might not be what we thought was needed, but He knows what is needed.  It might even just be a good night’s sleep and a relaxed meal to help us get back to solving problems and facing the discouragement in our life.  

That did it for Elijah when he had his spiritual burnout.  Read the drama below that he went through: 

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “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.  There he went into a cave and spent the night.  (1 Kings 19: 3-9)

What do we see in this passage?

• Elijah was burned out, so he ran away to the nearest exit.  Remember this tendency I’ve mentioned when we are spiritually burned out?  He did the right thing when he ran to God.  Now you run to God.
• Elijah admitted his need when he ran to the Father.  Remember how scared sheep run to their shepherd?  This was a good reaction plan that Elijah demonstrated.  Now you admit your need to your Father who hears your prayers.
• Elijah gave up his fight that was going on within him and went to sleep.  Remember the admonition given to you to transfer your burdens and trust God?  Elijah did this, and he could then rest.  Now you entrust your burdens to Jesus, and let Him carry them.  He invited you to do this, and He said He would take them.
• Elijah was ministered to by God’s angel.  The simple solution was rest and food, rest and more food.  Then Elijah had the strength to get back in the race.  Remember the word “restore” that has been mentioned several times?  This is a picture of a man being restored to God’s purpose by giving him a period of rest and time off.  God knows what we need, and He knows what you need.  Now you take time to restore because you need it.

As we close this week’s series, it is my hope that you find your hope restored by making it your purpose to find some time alone with your Shepherd so that He can minister to your needs.  When I am there or close to burnout, my favorite place to run to is under a tree, next to a cold stream watching trout play in the rapids.  With Bible, a little music, my journal, and a lunch, I go to be with my Shepherd to rest under His shadow.  It has gotten to be that I so enjoy that time with Him that I don’t wait for the burnout crisis to arrive.  I go ahead of it so I can keep it away, for I know if my soul is not healthy, nothing will be healthy.  Protect your soul, my brothers.  Go to this place and be with Him.  He is waiting for you.