Then the word of the Lord came to him, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you. (I Kings 17:9 ESV)
Loneliness and Faith
Elijah the Tishbite was alone. While the town of Tishbe is probably where Elijah was from, the word also means, ‘wanderer.’ And wandering is lonely.
God had sent him to hide East of the Jordan River, by a brook, Cherith. (I Kings 17:3) Israel had become dangerous for Elijah, and God appears to have been protecting Elijah, as well as teaching him.
The lesson that God was teaching Elijah is a lesson for us, as well.
Elijah’s physical needs were taken care of already. He had a brook for water, and most likely food was available there. But Elijah was alone. In fact, Elijah felt alone often in his life.
Certainly, Elijah had a grand relationship with his God. Certainly, Elijah had interactions with those to whom he ministered. Certainly, Elijah had the school of prophets. But the life of Elijah was a life of loneliness.
But our gracious God provided just the right person at just the right time. The widow at Zarephath needed Elijah’s help as much as God knew Elijah needed her.
Our God connects His people in the tapestry of His kingdom.
We are wanderers, too. Christians are wandering on this planet, and as much as we should enjoy it while here, it is not really our home. And sometimes we are alone.
When the loneliness is overwhelming, remember Elisha and the friend God provided. And remember that this is not the only example of God helping the lonely. Remember also Leah, and Hagar, and Miriam, and Jeremiah. Remember even King David. And remember Jesus.
All of them lonely people whose stories give us peace in our loneliness. God has a precedent for solving loneliness. Believe He will help us, too.
Take the faith God grants us.