Daily devotional · October 10
The Quiet Voice
“There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.” Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains 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 there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?””
Elijah had just seen a great victory, then fled in fear and exhaustion to a cave. God did not rebuke him. He asked him a question and then invited him outside. A wind, an earthquake and a fire passed by, dramatic and loud, but God was not found in them. Then came a gentle whisper, and Elijah covered his face. We often expect God to arrive with volume, and we miss His quiet nearness. Elijah's story also shows that burnout and discouragement are real, and that God meets people in them with patience and care, food and rest included. Today, find five minutes of real quiet. Turn off notifications and simply listen. If you are overwhelmed or feeling hopeless for a long time, also speak with a doctor, counselor or pastor.
Prayer
Lord, in the noise of my life, help me hear Your gentle voice. Amen.