I have yet 7000 in Israel whose knees have not bowed down to Baal. I'll bet you remember the little poem that goes like, nobody likes me. Everybody hates me. I'm gonna go eat worms. I've felt that way before, and odds are good that you have felt that way at times, too. Life can get rough, and sometimes we feel like we haven't a friend in the world who understands and sympathizes with us. Poor old Elijah felt that way. The great prophet of God had just won a candy mountain showdown with 400 prophets of the false idol God Baal. But instead of reveling in his victory, the very next day, he found himself alone and depressed. Woe is me. He cried. I've been very zealous for the Lord, but the rest of the people of Israel have rejected God's covenant, broken down their altars and put the prophets to death. I'm the only one left. And now theyre trying to kill me, too. Instead of simply telling Elijah to snap out of it, God said, elijah, what you need is a little rest and a renewed vision. Go stand in the mountain in my presence. Elijah did as he was told. He first witnessed a great and powerful wind pass by that tore the mountains apart and shattered rocks. But the Lord was not in the wind. Then he witnessed a massive earthquake, followed by a blazing fire. But the Lord was not in the earthquake or the fire. After that came a soft whisper, and God asked, why are you so depressed, Elijah? And the prophet said, I'm all alone, Lord. Nobody likes me. Everybody hates me. I'm going to go eat worms. Listen, Elijah, the Lord answered, you are far from alone. I have yet 7000 people who have not bowed to Baal. Life's tough. Get over it. Tomorrow will be a better day. God didn't really say that last part, but he could have. The next time you feel alone, unloved, unwanted and unappreciated, go visit your pastor. He'll offer a sympathetic ear, pray with you, and remind you of the story of Elijah in one kings, 1819. If that doesn't help, feel free to go out to the woods and eat as many worms as you like.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com. Have a great day, and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.