Day 12 – Juniper
(Juniperus communis)
“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” 1 Kings 19:4 KJV
In the previous chapter (1 Kings 18) God used the prophet Elijah at Mount Carmel to display His great power, but even after this miracle of fire destroying the idols, Israel still did not repent. Jezebel sent a vengeful message to Elijah threatening his life and he fled. And this is where we find this mighty prophet of God – under the juniper – calling it quits. How many times have you told God, “I’m done!”
Elijah, after one of his greatest breakthroughs and victories by boldly and confidently calling down fire to display his God’s power, is now completely alone in the middle of a desolate and unforgiving desert, huddled underneath this scanty tree. Discouraged, depressed, defeated, scared, disillusioned, broken, and tired. This man full of faith found himself full of fear asking God to take his life.
God’s plan for His chosen prophet was different. At his lowest point an angel provided him with a little cake and something to drink. And the angel even came a second time strengthening him to take on the journey regardless of the overwhelming emotions of despair. He asked God for death, yet God made this place under the juniper a holy place of rest, renewal, rejuvenation, and hope – embracing him with protection, nourishing him with cake, comforting him with company.
Lovely one, when you are ready to call it quits, take the time to sit under God’s juniper and allow Him to care for you – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As the juniper symbolises rest, renewal, rejuvenation, and hope – embrace God’s nourishment and comforting love.
Prayer: Father, I thank you today for the many junipers I already sat under crying that I had enough and cannot carry on anymore. In those moments, Lord, you cared and provided supernaturally so I had the strength to carry on. Amen.
Love, Pastor Iriza
