A Gentle Whisper
1 Kings 19:11-13
Storms can strike us suddenly, often without warning. The thunder and lightning during a severe rainstorm can be terrifying. The damage and devastation caused by a strong hurricane can be distressing. A rapidly spreading flood destroys everything in its fierce path. These destructive storms quickly capture our attention.
A few years ago, we spent our vacation in a cabin in the woods. Throughout the week, it rained heavily, and we listened to the sound of raindrops hitting the tin roof. We took advantage of the dreary weather and stayed indoors, reading and playing board games. It was a welcome escape from the hectic chaos of everyday life. While the storm raged outside, we savored the calm, peace, and tranquility inside the cabin.
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)
Elijah was a faithful prophet of the Lord. He courageously spoke words of truth to Israel’s wicked King Ahab. He confronted the false prophets of Baal, and the Lord granted a mighty victory that day on Mount Carmel. However, the fierce threat of death from Queen Jezebel caused Elijah to flee. First, he ran to Beersheba and then onward to Mount Sinai, where he hid in a cave. She vowed to end his life.
The Lord did not lose sight of His beloved servant. He certainly knew the deep-seated fear in Elijah’s heart. God allowed him to run and hide, but He was not going to let Elijah sink into a state of gloom and despair. (Just a note: I love this truth about our loving Heavenly Father. He will not depart from us—no matter where we run or hide. He is watching.)
You might be caught up in the hectic routine of daily life, or perhaps you're facing some serious storms today. Sometimes, God may use violent and dangerous storms to grab our attention, and these can be devastating circumstances for people to confront and navigate. It requires hard work, effort, and great determination to persevere.
However, there are other times when we are running or hiding from the struggles in our lives, and the Lord speaks to us in a gentle whisper. Can you hear it? The Lord sees your struggles. He knows your pain and fear. Tune your ears to His gentle voice.
Prayer: Lord, without You, I cannot face the storms, trials, or struggles of this life. I do not want to run away and hide. Please grant me the strength and courage to press on. Allow me to sit quietly in Your presence and tune my ear to the gentle whisper of Your voice. Amen.
Head to Heart
I invite you to take some time to wait for the Lord’s still, small voice. Ask the Lord to help you calm your heart and mind. Set a timer for five to ten minutes, sit quietly, and reflect on these verses from Psalm 23 or another favorite passage of Scripture.
(Note: I encourage you to practice this daily.)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.- Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)
© 2025 Discover God's Truth Ministries