That Gentle Whisper of God

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?" 1 Kings 19:11-13 (NIV).

The Lord God spoke to the Prophet Elijah and He told Elijah to go out and stand before Him on the mountain. And as Elijah stood on the mountain, God passed Elijah. First, Elijah witnessed a mighty windstorm that hit the mountain with a terrible blast, but the Lord God was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord God was not in the earthquake. Next, Elijah witnessed a fire, but again God was not in the fire. Then finally, Elijah heard a sound of a gentle whisper and God spoke to Elijah through His gentle whisper.

Sometimes, God reveals Himself with great, awe-inspiring, and overwhelming wonder (e.g., Exodus 3:2; Exodus 19:18; Psalm 68:7-8). Or, God may reveal Himself at church events, rallies, or conferences. At other times, God reveals Himself in a gently whisper to a humble and submissive heart.

Often times during Jesus’ public ministry on earth, Jesus escaped to a quiet place to pray and connect with God (see e.g., Mark 1:35; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 3:21; Luke 6:12).  Through those quiet times with God, Jesus would gather His strength and direction from God to carry out His ministry while on earth. In our hectic and frantic day, never forget to take time from the noise and busyness to listen quietly to God’s gentle whisper.  Although God is strong and mighty, He is also full of grace, gentleness, mercy, and tender love for His people and their concerns.