How Loud His Whisper
Do you feel overwhelming stress, fear or anxiety? We can pray for you.
“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. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 King 19:11-12).
As humans we often expect the great and powerful God to appear in a majestic way, often missing the gentle quiet of His touch. When Elijah stood on the mountain waiting for God to pass by, he could have easily mistaken the powerful wind as God. The shattering of the rocks during the earthquake beside him could have made him duck into the cave for cover. But he stood firm, and recognized God in the solitude of a whisper.
In the noise and chaos of our modern technological world, how often do we hear His whisper?
Recently while on a cruise in the Caribbean, I kept thinking I should check my email. Why wasn’t my cell phone ringing? I wondered what my friends had posted to Facebook. On the third day, I awoke and went out on deck. A pink sunrise greeted me and I heard God’s whisper to relax, relax, relax.
Unplugging from technology took a few days of adjustment. When I stopped missing my cell phone and computer, I tuned into each moment God planned for me on ship and during on-shore excursions. I connected more one-on-one with my fellow cruisers. Conversations started easily and laughter increased. I marveled at sunsets, sunrises and the wonders of God’s creation in a different part of the world. I slept like a baby.
By the time I got off of the ship, I admit I felt like a bowl of Jell-O— a little jiggly (maybe from visiting the buffet line too many times), a little giggly (appreciating the time off) and a little red (too much sun). But I also felt peace.
Genesis tells us God rested, so why do we find it so hard to turn off everything and do the same? The need to silence our cell phones, iPods, televisions and computers can become a deafening shout. Choosing to stop, turn it all off, and listen is hard at first. But I learned a valuable lesson on that cruise. I’d embarked after an intense period of busyness. I fought the guilty feeling I’d be non-productive if I slowed down, breathed and enjoyed something simple. Learning to relax reminded me how often I’d miss my seventh day of rest.
Now whenever the heavy heartedness looms, over laden with to-dos, must-dos and wanna-dos, I stop, turn everything off and pray. My blood pressure lowers, calmness comes over me and I once again hear God’s quiet whisper in my soul’s ear.
Questions: When’s the last time you brought technology to a standstill in your life? Did your actions bring you a clear word from God?
4 Responses to “How Loud His Whisper”
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It is so important to be still and listen, see , feel, experience, savor His wonders!!!!!
Just what I needed today! Thank you!
Even when I am alone and it is quiet it is so hard for me to relax. I, honestly, do not know (understand) how to relax. i went on a cruise back in the fall and didn’t know how to relax….it is a crying shame. By nature, I am not a laid back, easy going person. It is as if, I am constantly running on the inside. I really need the Lord to show, help me in this area of my life.
This devotion was a total blessing. And a true testament of how many view time, we are always trying to do more on less time of rest. Thanks.
Pastor Deanne