The Still, Small Voice

"There was first a wind storm, wild wind which rent the mountains and broke the rocks into pieces before Yahweh, but Yahweh was not in the wind. After the storm, an earthquake, but Yahweh was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, a fire, but Yahweh was not in the fire. After the fire, the murmur of a gentle breeze. When Elijah perceived it, he covered his face with his cloak, went out and stood at the entrance of the cave." - 1st Kings 19:11-13

The prophet Elijah was on the run. At a time when everyone had lost faith, Elijah was the only faithful prophet of God left. While running for his life, he heard God tell him to wait for Him on Mount Horeb, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, for He would be passing by. So Elijah went to the mountain to wait for God. As the reading goes, first came a powerful wind storm that knocked off many pieces of rock, but God didn't come in that storm. Then came a powerful earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake. Then came a fire, but God wasn't there either. How did Yahweh, our God, show up? As a still, small voice. Immediately upon perceiving it, Elijah covered his face and went to meet with God.

I can't help but think of all the places we try to find God nowadays. We want some big sign or miracle, don't we? We want some life-altering experience that transforms us, but that's just not how God works. He's much more gentle than that. He's purer, simpler, and that's why He's only found by those that have real patience when seeking Him. God comes to us as that still, small voice. It is only when we're at peace, calm and patiently focused on trying to listen to Him that He actually speaks. And like Elijah, you will not be deceived… distractions can happen all around you, but when you hear that gentle voice, you will know that God is there with you.

Today's Prayer:
My God, show me how to block out all the loud distractions that keep me from listening to You. Show me how to silence myself, too, so that I can hear Your gentle voice inside my heart. In Jesus' Name we pray, amen.