God’s gentle whisper…
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. 1 Kings 19:11-13
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God Psalm 46:10 (a)
Nowhere you can go is more peaceful – more free of interruptions – than your own soul. Marcus Aruelius
My friends often call me “the Energizer bunny” because I’m in almost constant motion…whether with loved ones, working, serving, or having outdoor adventures. Sitting still is not one of my strengths. In the evening, I have to make myself sit and relax for a bit so my sweet old cat can get attention. Even my morning quiet time can be a busy array of reading the Bible, doing Bible study work, writing in my gratitude journal, prayer, writing/editing/posting Paths of Joy devotionals.
Elijah was seeking God’s presence. He followed God’s instructions. He was expecting to hear God in the roaring wind. He looked for God and His might in an earthquake. When he saw the fire, he probably was sure that he would experience God through the fire as God had used fire so often in the past. From the burning bush in Moses experience to the pillars of fire that guided the Israelites out of Egypt to the glory of God on Mt Sinai. Yet it was in the silence, solitude, and quiet after all the majestic displays that Elijah hears a gentle whisper from God.
Even now, we can sometimes miss out on the deep connection possible with God because we are so busy pursuing good, even faith-based, activities. While it’s beneficial to keep active and engaged in life, it’s vital to take time out and slow down. I think of how deeply connected I’ve felt when sharing a sunset with family member or dear friend, just sitting in companionable silence where love speaks without words. My most deeply meaningful times with God have often been those where I’ve been quiet in my actions, speech, and very soul. I can remember several times in the last few years where I was in a beautiful mountain area, taking a break from hiking to just rest in the beauty of nature and the presence of God. Rarely have I felt such a deep peace and joy as I savored wordless connection with my Abba Father. Basking in His presence as one would delight in warm sunshine on a cool day.
At home, it can be much harder to experience silence and solitude that foster those deep connection moments with God. Even if I sit quietly, my mind is making mental lists to-do lists for the day, thinking about how to handle a challenge, or even directing my prayers as a laundry list of either intercessory prayers or praise. This winter, I’m looking forward to doing a study on silence and solitude in hopes to learn how to more deliberately create moments at home of silence with Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. My heart craves that peace and deep connection that no Bible study, prayer time, praise music, or service can bring in the same way, though each of those things has value too.
Do you ever stop to relax alone without the distractions of screens, books, or even music? Can you sit quietly and savor time with God? This year, step out of your comfort zone and experience times of peace of silence and solitude.
