When the Brook Dries Up

A brook is a small, shallow, and gently flowing natural stream of fresh water. Its cool, clear waters offer the perfect habitat for a variety of insects, plants, small mammals and birds. It also provides refreshment for animals, or weary walkers, or farmers. In some parts of the world a brook is a vital water source for people's survival. Due to climate change brooks are drying up and many people are experiencing drought conditions. 
 
The prophet Elijah, whose name means 'Yahweh is my God', found himself sitting alone beside a dried-up brook. The events which led up to this can be found in 1 Kings 17:1–7. At that time, Ahab was King of Israel. He promoted Baal worship and led the Israelites into apostasy. God's people may have forgotten the Covenant they had with the living God but Elijah certainly had not. In the name of the living God, whom Elijah worships, he tells Ahab that there will be a drought in the land. There will be no rain for the next few years until God intervenes. 
 
This was not good news for Ahab. Elijah may have felt uneasy about how the king would react towards him for speaking out like this. But God had his hand on His servant Elijah. He tells Elijah to leave Israel and go east and hide in the Kerith Ravine, where he will drink from the brook and be fed by ravens. Elijah obeyed, and during the severe famine God wonderfully provided refreshment for him. 
 
Elijah was experiencing God's blessings and protection. Then suddenly the brook dried up – no more water – he was thirsty. How could he drink if the brook had dried up? The famine and drought that were a direct result of his prophecy against Ahab's sin, was now affecting him. Elijah was isolated and alone in the wilderness. How did Elijah feel in that moment? Did he think God had turned His back on him? Did he question 'Why?' Did he wonder what on earth God was doing? We do not know. But we do know that, as Elijah sat beside the dried-up brook, God spoke to him and told him to move on and go to Zarephath where there was a widow who would feed him. Elijah obeyed. He left the dried-up brook knowing now that God had not abandoned him. Strengthened by God, the Living God, Elijah was now willing to share God’s blessings with the widow and her son. God had not finished with Elijah, He still had much to do through His faithful servant. (Read on in 1 Kings) 
 
Maybe at this time you are feeling isolated and wondering what on earth God is doing in your life. Perhaps, like Elijah, you have felt satisfied with your life – it is good, God is good – and then suddenly something has happened and your brook has dried up and with it, God's blessings. I do not know what that dry brook is for you. There are so many things that can cause us suffering and pain. God does not cocoon us from them (even Elijah suffered from the dried-up brook) but I do know that a dry brook can be a scary experience, as we become confused about the reality of our faith and God's love for us.  
 
When we enter a dry season, it helps to sit by the dry brook, not rushing away, but quietly letting God hold us where we are. Then when we are ready we can speak honestly to God, asking the Holy Spirit to be with us and wait patiently for God to speak, or whisper, to us. It is not easy to make ourselves vulnerable before God but by His grace and mercy we will move on and leave the drought behind. We will again experience His blessings and share those blessings with others. 
 
‘Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will rise up on wings like the eagle. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint.’ (Isaiah 40:31) Also see Psalm 34:4-10.
 
It takes trust and obedience to a faithful, loving God to move us on from a dry brook experience but we will be renewed with fresh blessings from God. He will help us share these with other people who need to know God has not abandoned them.  
Alison Edwards