CAUGHT IN THE vise of depressive feelings, Elijah felt like the loneliest man in the world…

“So he said, ‘I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword.  I alone am left; and they seek to take my life” (1 Kings 19:14).

Depressed, and desiring nothing more than a quick exit from life, Elijah somehow imagined he was the last godly man on the planet.  He felt as if he had no support–even though he had just been part of a fantastic miracle and gained the rousing support of God’s people.  He had allowed one evil woman to fill up his whole radar screen and ruin his outlook.  But then God shared some information that must have stunned the melancholy prophet:

“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18).

God was saying, “I have 7,000 on your side, and you’re letting one person sound like a million.”  Wayne Cordeiro, “Early Warning Signs,” Leading on Empty, 62-63

THOUGHT:  Elijah wasn’t alone, but that’s how he felt.  Discouragement distorted his view of reality and he lost perspective.  Are you discouraged?  You probably need a renewed outlook.  All of us get discouraged, feel overwhelmed weary at some juncture in our lives.  Jesus says, “You’re not alone…”

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Mike Benson