I Kings 19:9
‘There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”’
This is an interesting passage. God asks Elijah a question. Some commentators think Elijah acted in fear thus he was in disobedience. The commentators Keil and Deilitsch say this, '"What doest thou here, Elijah?" This question did not involve a reproof, as though Elijah had nothing to do there, but was simply intended to lead him to give utterance to the thoughts and feelings of his heart." I like that.
Good questions cause people to open up about themselves. Elijah does have something to learn. We'll see that as the story unfolds. Initially God gets him to open up. Just like with Adam. God found him and asked some questions.
We can feel safe with God. We can ask Him anything. We may have fears and concerns. We are to open up our hearts and let the contents spill out. What a blessing to know we can do this. Our great God will comfort us.
Psalm 103:14 says, "He knows our frame. He is mindful that we are dust." How comforting. The reflex of the legalistic mind is not grace or understanding. Our punitive consciences are merciless. God is merciful. Even if we are mistaken, He will comfort, heal and guide.
The unbeliever on judgement day will be asked, "What did you do with my Son?" This would be a frightful question for those that reject Christ. But those of us that accept Jesus as the great cornerstone fear God. We don't need to fear His questions. They are an opportunity for healing.
Proverbs 20:5 says, "The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out." We often don't understand what's going on in our hearts. Interaction with God's Word and prayer give us understanding.
This passage highlights that questions cause people to open up. We can use questions to give others an opportunity to open up. Listening is a form of love. As we listen we learn and ask more questions which allow for more openness. Just as a therapist listens, so our listening brings healing.
Jesus says in Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." While this is not a question, but God initiating a relationship. It's what He does. Blessed is the one who heeds and opens the door.
Are we sensitive to the Lord's questions and nudging? In I Kings 3:9 Solomon asked for an understanding and wise heart. His father was a man after God's heart. May we be the same. He will answer us if we are sincere.
What a journey it is when we say yes to God. I Corinthians 2:9 says, 'Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”' We can imagine some cool things for ourselves. However that's nothing compared to what God has for us. Healing, wholeness and joy await. He created us and knows areas where we would be successful that we hadn't thought of.
Lord, thank You that You want fellowship with us guide us and love us. You are a good, good God.