Glory {Art 2016} Scripture Challenge #10, Low Moments

The Study

Our pastor shared an amazing sermon last Sunday. Well, his sermons are always amazing but this one in particular just spoke to me so much. I thought today I would share some of his points and also use it as our teaching for today.

We are studying Elijah until December, and last Sunday we were in 1 Kings 19:1-9a. Feel free to read that passage before you continue this study. I have linked it for you here. As you read that passage, you can see that Elijah was in a very low moment. So low that he prayed he might die. In our lives, we all have low moments. We also have those high and wonderful moments. Today I want to look at those low moments. What should we do? How should we help others that may be going through those low moments in their lives? Let's look at some of the notes from this weekend's sermon. My notes from his sermon are in quotes and italics with my thoughts below each one.

#1

"God sends a messenger. You might need words of encouragement to get up and take the next step. It might even be a touch that you need or a reminder to eat. You do not necessarily need a theological lesson at that moment."

Wow, I know when my girls are having a low moment, I always turn things back to the Lord. I have tried to live out Deuteronomy 6:7 which says:

Deuteronomy 6:7 "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

But maybe at that moment, that's not what they need. Maybe they just need me to be there, to listen, to give them a hug, or remind them to eat. Maybe you know someone in a very hard place right now. How can you be that messenger to them to encourage them and help them take that next step? It may be that your quiet presence is just enough. Maybe taking them a meal is great but will they cook it and sit and eat? Have you thought about that? If you notice, the angel baked bread for Elijah and reminded him to eat:

1 Kings 19:5b-6 "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."

#2

"He provides what we truly need. You may want answers but it's not what you need. It may be rest and nourishment that you need."

How many times have we all wanted God to just tell us what's next? Will we make it through? Will it turn out okay? But that may not be what we truly need. It may be what we want but it may not be what we need. Elijah needed to rest and to eat. Once he did that, he was strengthened and ready for what was ahead.

1 Kings 19:8 "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."

What is it that you need to be ready for what's ahead? How about the person you are helping? Next time you encounter someone in a low moment, pray. Ask the Lord what is it they may need and how can you help.

#3

"Draws us to Himself. We need relationship with Him."

Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

James 4:8a "Come near to God and He will come near to you."

Oh He is what we need most! God is not about religion; He is about relationship. He is not about a list of rules. Yes, He wants us to obediently follow Him as His Word leads us but it's not about following a list of rules. We have a relationship with Him, and we serve Him and obey Him because we love Him not because we are following a list of rules. Are you earnestly seeking Him? Reference last year's Glory {Art} Challenge on Religion by clicking here.

And I leave you with a few encouraging verses to share with someone in a low moment or for yourself wherever you are right now.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Romans 8:35 "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

James 5:13 "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise."

The Art

For my Journaling Bible page today, I chose to use the first quote above. That is what spoke to me the most, and I really wanted to note it in my Bible.

Thanks for joining me today. Feel free to join us on the Facebook page where some people will be sharing their creations. We also have some discussions that will be going on there too about the study. If you don't use Facebook and want to share your creation here, please do so by leaving a link in the comment section. I am no longer paying for InLinkz. To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here. Have a blessed week!

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