He Wrapped His Face in His Mantle

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He Wrapped His Face in His Mantle

We all come to times  when we feel  we’ve had all we can take  of this life.     It’s just more  than we can handle.     Elijah had certainly had it  when he was on the run  from Jezebel,  who was out  to kill him.    He had put his all  into serving the LORD,  and what did it get him  —  on the most-wanted-to-kill list.     Oh, help!

Elijah ran away  and hid in a cave  to bemoan all his troubles.     There it was  that God came to him,  asking what in the world  he was doing there.     Elijah confessed  he felt so alone  and desperate  for his life.     From there we read  in 1 Kings 19:11-13,

So He [God] said,  “Go forth,  and stand  on the mountain  before the LORD.”     And behold,  the LORD was passing by!     And a great  and strong wind  was rending the mountains  and breaking in pieces the rocks  before the LORD;  but the LORD was not  in the wind.     And after the wind  an earthquake,  but the LORD was not  in the earthquake.

And after the earthquake,  a fire,  but the LORD was not  in the fire;  and after the fire  a sound  of a gentle blowing.

And it came about  when Elijah heard it,  that he wrapped his face in his mantle,  and went out  and stood  in the entrance  of the cave.

When we are  in the midst  of all sorts of turmoils,  disasters,  and storms,  their power is obvious.     Our troubles are overwhelming,  and we surely are not  in control  of them.     But,  when they come,  we are to settle down  and listen  to God’s “gentle blowing”  —  God’s still small voice.

It is true  that we have no power  over the storms of life  that come to us.     But,  God is in power.     God knows  all about it  and He wants us  to just settle down  and trust His loving care  for us.     When we settle down  and look at God’s love  for us,  we will be able  to trust Him  and “Cast all your anxiety upon Him,  because He cares  for you.”   (1 Peter 5:7)

Our problem is  that we need to realize  just how much  God loves us.     It is impossible  to realize God’s love  if we refuse  to abide  in His word  and if we refuse  to go to Him  in prayer,  confessing our sins  and accepting His forgiveness.     So,  step number one is  to remember James 4:8,  “Draw near  to God  and He will draw near  to you.”

When we do that,  we will hear God’s “gentle blowing”  —  His still small voice  guiding us  into His peace  that passes all understanding.     And then,  we also,  will hide our face  and humbly say,   “Hallelujah!     Lord,  thank You  for your faithful love,  even when we are afraid  and doubting.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

 

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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