“After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.”  I Kings 19:12.    After defeating the prophets of Baal, Elijah received a death threat from Jezebel.  His hope was shattered, and despondency set in.  He wanted to die!  God helped Elijah deal with his despondency in several ways.  The Lord did not rebuke him for his feelings but sent an angel to provide for his physical needs.  Then, the Lord revealed Himself and reminded Elijah that He was quietly working among His people.  Next, He renewed Elijah’s mission by giving him new orders.  Finally, God reminded Elijah that he wasn’t alone.  In our time of discouragement, let us remember that God loves us and desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of Himself.  The weak, the helpless, and the discouraged are in the Shepherd’s special care.