Juniper Tree Are you at your Juniper tree? 1 Kings 19:1-4 August 22 - PM

Background Elijah won a great victory at Mt. Carmel Baal and 450 prophets defeated Jezebel is angry – seeks to kill him He runs for his life until exhausted The juniper tree is where he gives up This tree symbolizes being despondent

Causes of Despondency Elijah had his 15 minutes of fame at Mt. Carmel when he defeated Baal Now he is: Threatened with his life Afraid – running scared Ready to give up

Causes of Despondency Causes of being despondent: ExhaustionExhaustion – He ran 18 miles – left his servant – and ran some more Emotional DrainEmotional Drain – Fugitive, lives in fear, feels relief when he is caught LonelinessLoneliness – World is against him, no support, no help, no place to turn IdlenessIdleness – Stop, give up, sit and dwell on his problems

Result of Despondency God’s servant – becomes useless – to God, to others The despondent have nothing to offer: Family Friends Church God

Cure for the Despondent PatiencePatience God does not scold or chide Elijah God offers food, protection, support Honest LookHonest Look – “What are you doing here?” God’s PresenceGod’s Presence – Fire, wind, earthquake, still small voice

Cure for the Despondent FellowshipFellowship – We need each other, we are not alone Work to doWork to do – Arise and go

Have been to this tree? Have you been sitting under your juniper tree? Are you despondent, ready to give up? God cured Elijah. God offers the same cure to us.