Sabbath Rest in a Restless WorldSample

Listening for God’s Voice

When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. (v. 13)

One of the fundamental assumptions of the Bible is that God speaks. But just because God speaks does not guarantee we’re listening. And here’s the thing - we can’t listen well to God if we’re in a hurry or experiencing fatigue.

Elijah needed to learn this lesson. Elijah had been running hard, fleeing Queen Jezebel, who wanted him dead. He escaped into the Judean wilderness and collapsed under a broom tree in exhaustion. Elijah cried out to God to take his life and then fell asleep. After a while, an angel woke him and said, “Arise and eat” (v. 5). Nearby was bread and a jug of water. Elijah ate, and then slept some more (v. 6). It’s only after Elijah had food in his stomach and much-needed sleep (this happened twice, vv. 7-8) that he was ready to listen to God.

And how did God speak to Elijah? Not in the roaring wind, nor the trembling earthquake, not even in the crackling fire. God spoke in “a sound of sheer silence” (v. 12 NRSV). It was in solitude and silence that Elijah was finally ready and able to hear the whisper of God.

Are you suffering from hurry-sickness today? Are you tired, worn-out, at the end of your strength? Slow down. Eat some good food. Maybe take a nap. Simply be still and listen for the whisper of God in the sound of sheer silence.

As you pray, practice silence for at least two minutes. Focus on just being present to God.