Through the Valley of Griefনমুনা

“Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.”

-1 Kings 19:11-12

God wants to meet with you personally on the side of the mountain, just as his Spirit did with Elijah. He hears your every cry. Jesus lived and died because he wants to meet you right in the middle of your struggles and sorrows.

Some days you will feel the Holy Spirit almost palpably. Thank God for those. But you will also have days when the Spirit’s presence won’t be obvious in grand impressions or poignant moments. Many days he will speak in a whisper, not through an earthquake or fire. For me, it was a specific, small whisper of wind. After a long, tearful walk with my dog, Ryman, I stood atop a small hill in our neighborhood. I felt the most arrestingly gentle breeze, and I remembered this story, I remembered God is always in the tender whispers. Hold tight to those hushed moments of intimacy with him. Know that He is with you. Continue to ask him for what your weary soul needs and wait expectantly with open eyes and ears. Ask God to show you daily signs of his presence.

Take five minutes to silently listen and observe the world around you today and ask the Lord for a sweet whisper from the Spirit.