When It Feels Like You're the Only One

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came… Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”

1 Kings 19:14-18

Have you ever felt like this? Like you’re the only one?

Most of us can relate to feeling alone. Maybe not to the desperate extent of Elijah, who was fleeing for his life, but we can relate to feeling in the minority of the minority. We too are faced with the task of continuing to trust and obey while living in a world of idolatry, and we are not unfamiliar with the challenge of trying to do life God’s way while everyone else is running in the other direction.

First Kings 19 is a passage that has frequently been a comfort to me. It may not be obvious, but God is faithful to preserve a remnant for Himself. Let us be encouraged. Remember the seven thousand.

Remember the Seven Thousand

Afraid, alone, tempted by lies—

Though not as unknown as he might surmise—

Perhaps victorious but many a care

Still burden the heart and swallow the prayer,

Strain the mind and distress the soul

Until God Himself comes to console:

“Remember the 7,000.

“You feel alone, defeated, and tired.

O recall the remnant and be inspired!

Eat and rest; the servant I sent

Has brought you needed nourishment.

Draw near to Me and do not fail

To remember those who slighted Baal

And number 7,000.

“You’re not alone. Be not afraid,

For like you they’ve served and obeyed.

They may be few. They may be hidden,

But they cling to the good and hate the forbidden.

Do you not trust that I will provide

Or see the army at your side—

The blessed 7,000?”