The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

I kings 19: 11-13

God does not generally speak to us in noise. We often say we want to hear His voice and get to know Him better, but with all the busyness and distractions around us it is most difficult to do so. The cares and concerns of life have a way of taking our eyes away from Him and what really matters. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to be still and know that He is God. When we quiet our hearts and focus on HIm through reading the Word, prayer and mediation, we avail ourselves to Him, opening the way for Him to speak a word into our hearts. This word could be a word of encuragement, an instruction, a word of knowledge, or a question, as seen in the text above, but it is always a word that edifies us and strengthens our faith in HIm.

In today’s text. Elijah stood on the mountain waiting for the Lord. He problably expected the Lord’s manifest presence to be evident in a dramatic way but was he wrong! There was wind, earthquake and then fire, but God was not in any of them. In contrast, the Lord asked Him a question, in a still small voice.

A few days ago, I had the experience of hearing that still small voice. I was expecting a visitor at work but my lunchtime she had not arrived. After having lunch, I went to the restroom. As I entered the thought came to me, ‘what if she tries to call you and cannot get you?’ This prompted me to return to my desk for my phone. As I stepped off to return to the bathroom, my desk phone rang. I was tempted to ignore it but then decided to answer. Lo and behold, it was my colleague, calling to tell me that my visitor had arrived and was waiting for me downstairs.

I was thankful that I had listened to the still small voice. Later as I checked my phone, I realized that she had indeed called me and I had missed the call because the phone did not ring. This is a simple but powerful example of being obedient to that still small voice. Since that incident, I have heard of two other instances of people listening and obeying that still small voice and being thankful that they obeyed, because the consequences of not listening would have been dire, in each circumstance. There may be a lot at stake if you miss that still small voice. What a faithful God who watches over us and guides us with HIs loving eye!

Reflection

When last did you hear the still small voice of God?

How can you be more intentional about hearing His voice?

Prayer

Father, help us to always hear and obey your still small voice. Help us to fix our eyes on you and forsake the things that distract us, so that our hearts wil be stlll before you. Only then will we be in the right position to hear from you. Amen.