“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.  And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
(1 Kings 19:11-13 NLT)

In the busyness and sometimes chaotic pace of today’s life, do you find it difficult to just sit and be quiet? Becoming addicted to the fast-paced rush that our instant gratification society sells, can make you feel guilty of ‘wasting time’, if you simply rest and reflect.

Time away from distractions, phones, and screens, in order to hear God’s gentle whisper is the thing we need most, yet if you are anything like me, it’s the exact thing that we find ourselves so easily procrastinating to prioritise.  

In our reading today, Elijah was in trouble. He had escaped Jezebel’s threat to kill him and was hiding in a cave after fleeing through the desert. What was he to do? Where was he to go?

The Lord was about to direct Elijah’s steps, by revealing his will through a personal encounter, but it came in a way that would have been so easy to miss considering the complicated circumstances.

In a situation where Elijah felt frightened, you wouldn’t blame him for expecting God to show himself in the wind or an earthquake…or even still, through the fire. 

Can you identify? 

To reveal a revelation with a roar is what we often expect of the Lord in order for us to feel like His leading is for real. But just as in this example, the Almighty often chooses something which is so much more personal than simply a loud clanging. He spoke to Elijah, and He wants to speak to you too…through a gentle whisper. 

We see from this story that a personal encounter with God will sustain you, guide you, and encourage you to take the next steps…but will be missed unless you can take the time to nullify the surrounding noise.

Don’t you find it amazing that despite all of Elijah’s doubts, misgivings, and obvious fear, that he chose to persevere through the many distractions to finally hear God’s voice in the stillness. 

May you make the time to be quiet… 

May you make the time to hear His whisper…

May you make the time to enjoy the company of the Lord, because He longs to have fellowship with you.

I have written this song so that you may be reminded how much God wants to communicate His love for you. And I trust that as you listen to the lyrics, and spend time being still before the Lord, you will see His truth being revealed as you take the time to be in His presence. 

Lesley

Words & Music: Lesley Mathews; ©️ 2008 endlessgrace.com.au

https://www.endlessgrace.com.au/egi-preview-whisperinthewind