Context: 1 Kings 19

“What are you doing here, Danielle?”

It’s nearing late in the afternoon and she’s laying on the bed. From memory, the details are blurry. But one thing is indeed memorable: she’s had it and she’s giving up.

“What are you doing here, Danielle?”

The lyrics during worship resonates with her. Because she can indeed get lost in the love of her Savior. She knows He’s the only one who can calm her down, talk down on her anxieties, balance her mood swings. He’s her best friend.

“What are you doing here, Danielle?”

One of the strongest people she knows, she stands firm for all her friends. She listens. She processes with them. She takes care of His sheep.

But sometimes, during her quiet time, she secretly longs for a life where there is no more pain. She longs to be with her best friend- in an embrace that imparts full and unconditional love- in a place that mirrors Him and only Him.

She looks for Him in church services- in people. She anticipates Him in every dream- where she would again feel His love- where the fullness of her being is drenched in His presence. Where everything is really alright.

His presence is the only that matters. And being with Him is everything she breathes for.

“What are you doing here, Danielle?”

And in all this beautiful chaos, she remembers that she loves this God. She gave up men for Him, dreams for Him, desires for Him. Because He’s just that important to her. Because He consumes her.

“What are you doing here, Danielle?”

With this, I ask You Lord: remind her of her purpose. Any true Christian knows that being with You is far better than being in this world. But remind her again that she loves You too much to disobey You and Your proper timing. Your love is indeed better than life.

“What are you doing here, Danielle?”

Do it for Him. Do it for His people. Live.