Even Prophets Need Naptime

Carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders can be both intoxicating and addictive. When doing important work, it’s easy to think…

“I’m working so hard, doing so much – I’m irreplaceable.”

“I’m the only one who sees, understands, and gets it.”

“Without me, everything will fall apart.”

“Nobody else cares as much as I do.”

The frenzied and stressful pace of trying to be the solution, answer-man and super-achiever quickly spins out of control. The results?

Anger.

Frustration.

Depression.

Excuses.

Blame.

Sometimes, we need to be reminded that the world doesn’t actually rest on our shoulders. We aren’t the only ones who see, understand and get it. There’s still time for naps – and we probably should take one.

The Old Testament prophet Elijah had to learn this lesson.

He had become delusional, intoxicated, addicted to carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

He started to believe that he was the only one.

Actually, there were 7,000 others just like him (1 Kings 19.18 & Romans 11.3, 4).

Elijah had become self-absorbed and self-important. He worked alone and was burning out. He was getting angry, frustrated and depressed.

God’s solution?

He had the prophet take a break from working, have several naps and eat properly.

After that, God directed Elijah to recruit someone younger to work with him.

Interesting, isn’t it? Even prophets need naptime.

It’s a great reminder for all of us who are doing “important work” – we all need breaks, naps, healthy food and some young people around us to invest in.