QUIET

...After the fire, there was a sound. Thin. Quiet. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his coat. He went out and stood at the cave’s entrance. A voice came to him and said, “Why are you here, Elijah?”  1 Kings 19:12-13

“Shhh!  Be quiet,” I told my husband. We listened intently to hear the quiet sound of something in the background. We have done this on several occasions. It has turned out to be an alarm, a motor on a vehicle, a squirrel scampering across the roof, a leak in the pipes, the wind, a carpenter bee, or something else. The only way to figure out the noise was to first be quiet so we could identify it.

Sometimes we need to be quite and still to identify what the Lord it telling us. He may not speak to us audibly, but He whispers to the unseen ears of our souls. When we are too busy with earthly matters or our minds are racing, we can’t hear the hushed tones of the Savior.

Jezebel threatened to kill Elijah, so Elijah ran away in fear for his life.  He became so weary that God nourished him in the wilderness. As he regained his strength, he traveled another 40 days to Mount Horeb. There he went into a cave to rest for the night, but I am sure Elijah’s mind was not at rest. God had an important message for Elijah, but He did not convey His message in the mighty wind, the earthquake, or the fire. Instead, God spoke in a gentle whisper.

Elijah had to still his heart and his mind to really listen. God not only gave him instructions but also gave him real hope. He let Elijah know that he was not alone; there were 7,000 people who had not bowed down to Baal.

Are you going through a time of great distress? Is your mind going in circles? Be still and know that He is God. He wants your attention. You will not hear Him if you will not be quiet. He may be saying, “Why are you here? Come out of your darkness into my light. You are not alone. I am with you. I will protect you and guide you. I will bring you hope with everlasting peace. Place your burden on Me, and I will give you rest.”

Dear Father, Please help me to be still and quiet to really listen to You. Through Christ I pray, Amen.