The prophet Elijah lived long ago

under the wicked king Ahab

and his queen Jezebel.

Elijah spoke out against the king

and the prophets of false gods

Jezebel had brought to the land.

But Elijah became disheartened,

and in fear he ran away,

and ran and ran and ran –

ending in his despair in a cave.

 

But God found Elijah in his cave –

and Elijah heard the still, small whisper

he knew was God.

And God told Elijah to get up,

to go on – he was not alone –

there were others 

who had not worshipped the idols,

others who still knew God. (1 Kings 19)

 

Today I feel despair,

living under the rule of a regime

that puts children in cages,

and locks up desperate refugees.

A regime that redistributes wealth to the wealthy,

stealing from the poor,

whose lies are more common than truth –

A regime supported by false prophets

who quote scripture while hurting the poor,

and have sold their souls for power.

 

But God finds me,

in my cave of despair.

And I encounter the still voice of God there.

Get up, he says, and go on –

you are not alone,

there are others who have not

sold their souls and worshipped the idols;

there are others who care –

for the poor, the sick, and the elderly,

and the stranger among us. 

There are still those who love.

Joyce Alexander, 7-1-2018