1 KINGS 19:9 -10a and10b: “There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 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.” Elijah had just completed a brave and courageous act by destroying the idolatrous worshippers of Baal. Elijah thought he was the only one left who remained faithful to God.

Elijah indulged in the deceitful luxury of self-pity. Are we also tempted to think that we are the only ones remaining faithful to the task? Do we feel lonely and discouraged by the abundance of violence and corruption? Self-pity will only serve to dilute, if not negate the good work you are doing. Self-pity will distort the truth; can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts. Elijah wanted God to take his life!

When we read the full context of this scripture, we will note that God gave no credence to Elijah’s self-pity. He did not stroke or pamper it. In fact, God ignored it. The Lord simply told him to go back the way he came and gave him instructions pertaining to his continuation of the work of the Kingdom. Then God revealed that He had already prepared 7,000 others who remained faithful to Him.

We also must not indulge in the deceitful luxury of self-pity which will cripple, derail and distract us from continuing the good work of establishing God’s Kingdom here on earth. So let us get up, and continue; we are not the only ones left!

Eternal Father, we are so grateful that we are not alone. We realise that the battle is not ours but Yours, and it has already been won! We as a nation commit to returning to You the way we came. We declare that we are well able to possess this land, Jamaica, as an inheritance for Your honour and glory.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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