In the Stillness
Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 19:3-13
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.
Elijah had been overwhelmingly busy. God had just used him powerfully to defeat the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). But Elijah had no time to celebrate that victory, for his enemies now wanted to kill him. Exhausted and afraid, he fled to the wilderness.
The wilderness can be a lonely, desolate place. Yet it was here that God nourished and strengthened Elijah again. God came and spoke with Elijah, and his voice was not thundering or overwhelming. God did not shout to get Elijah’s attention. When Elijah was ready to listen, God spoke in a gentle whisper.
Sometimes the noises of our lives—our many activities, hectic schedules, high-tech devices, or other distractions—drown out the voice of God. Sometimes it seems God is far away, or altogether absent, and joy seems hard to find. Joy comes when our lives are centered in Christ. Satan works hard to keep joy away by filling our lives with noise. To hear the voice of God reminding us of his faithfulness, goodness, and love, we need to follow the instructions of Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Let’s take some time today to silence the noise and be still, listening for God’s whisper.
Lord, we confess that we have often let the flurry of distractions in our lives drown out your voice. Quiet us and center us in you. Remind us of your goodness. Fill us with your joy. In Christ, Amen.
About the author — Laurie Zuverink
Laurie Zuverink is an ordained pastor who has served in several capacities of ministry in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area. Her work ties into the lives of young people, and her passion is to empower and equip the next generation of servant leaders. Pastor Laurie and her husband, Mark, have three children—one in grad school, one in college, and one in high school. Pastor Laurie enjoys deep conversations, bike rides, exploring the shores of the Great Lakes, and watching well-played soccer.
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