Listening for the quiet whisper amidst fire

“Then the LORD said to him, ‘Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by.’ A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing 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 there was fire — but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.” — 1 Kings 19:11-13

Sometimes, life is loud. It is filled with busy schedules, time with family and friends, travel, appointments, sports, and more. The chaos and noise can crowd our brain and make it hard to focus. It can give us a sense of overwhelm or generally just distract us from seeking our purpose. Namely, it is easy to lose track of the voice of God when the external noise is so loud. 

Yet, amongst the chaos, we should listen for the still, quiet voice. The Lord is not in the earthquake, the fire or the wind; Elijah found him in the still, quiet whisper. We must listen for the voice that whispers He loves us. The voice the whispers the path forward. The voice that informs our decisions. The voice that propels us to follow Him. The voice of peace, joy and love. The voice of the Lord.

When we feel lost, ashamed, broken, overwhelmed, or paralyzed, we must listen for the stillness that whispers the truth. When we feel joy, laughter, direction, thrill, acceptance, or peace, we still must listen for the steady voice that will continue to guide us down that path. We must also remember to offer up gratitude. 

The Holy Spirit is constantly moving around us. He is continuously whispering to us and urging us in a direction. Sometimes, that whisper gives us the encouragement to go deeper in our faith, have a hard conversation, pray with someone, sacrifice something, see our neighbor in a different light, or love more deeply. However, at other times, that movement may not feel as strong. It can be hard to listen or find the voice in the midst of anxiety, but it can also be a time where we have to exert more effort to grow and find discipline in our faith. It’s in these times where God challenges us to truly listen. He challenges us to be more in tune with Him; to refocus when the wind, fire and earthquakes around us are strong. Instead, He asks us to take a deep breath, open our hearts little wider, find the heartbeat that beats for Jesus, and allow it to speak to us. With every beat of our hearts, he asks us to hear “Je-sus, Je-sus, Je-sus.” He challenges us to find the steadiness among the unknown.

Lately, I’ve spent a lot of time in prayer and discernment. I’ve tried to hear the whisper. Whenever I’m in silence and adoration, He gives me little hints — a puzzle piece if you will. He unlocks something for me that opens up my mind or heart to Him. At times, it is a verification of what I already know. In other times, it is an enlightenment — a way He’s asking me to grow. Yet sometimes, it’s a big change that requires shifting, sacrifice and giving more control over to Him.

I have been discerning and praying over big topics lately and I can feel the Spirit moving around me. I see little changes happening. I feel the way my heart is opening up. I witness pieces of my life aligning. I don’t know where I am being led yet — I don’t know His plan — but I am on the right path. I am walking toward Him. He is directing me one step at a time. He is calling me toward Him. It’s impossible to share how that truly feels or how I know that something big is coming. But that quiet whisper tells me I am on the path and the Lord is going to reveal something bigger than I could have planned myself. That it is far greater than anything I’ve known; it is HIS plan and purpose for me. God continues to humble me, break down my walls, and call his daughter home. I pray I can continue to run to Him unreservedly. That I may fully surrender every last ounce of control I am holding onto and find the freedom He is breathing upon me. 

I invite you to walk with me and steady your heart. Breathe in. Open scripture. Quiet your mind. What is that small voice whispering to you right now? Where are you being pushed to move? God uses the little things around us to shine light. Is there a little flicker that can be illuminated? His call is not always grandiose, but his voice is as steadfast as our heartbeats. Embrace the steadiness only He can provide. Listen for the whisper.

God, allow us to let your quiet whisper inform our hearts. Allow us to be moved to be more in alignment with your Word. Once we hear that whisper, give us the courage to follow your path unreservedly. Jesus, hold our hand as we walk forward with trust. Steady our hearts and remove any anxiety keeping us from you. Silence the noise of the people around us and the voice of the evil one. Flood us with your love and peace. Help us to fully surrender. Amen.