1 Kings 19:11, 12 - Keeping In Tune With Gods Still Small Voice.
1 Kings 19:11, 12 (NKJV) Then He said, "Go
out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord."
And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and
strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the
rocks in pieces 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; 12
and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord
was not in the fire; and after the fire a still
small voice.
COMMENTARY PEARL
My heart sank as I neared the bridge that
would take me to my medical appointment in the
city. Hundreds of cars were backed up as traffic
inched along. On top of that, the steady rain had
turned into a downpour; I could barely see the
lights of the car in front of me. Finally I reached
the base of the one-and-a-half mile long bridge
that rose a hundred and forty feet in the air.
Frequent lightning flashed in my eyes, and thunder
assaulted my ears.
It took me a few minutes to realize that
the oldies radio station was playing a classic
Bob Dylan song, Like a Rolling Stone. I hit the
power button and said out loud, I am not on my
own and I am not unknown. Then I began to
pray to Jesus, the One who had seen me safely
across every bridge Ive ever encountered. While
the thunder and lightning didnt ease up, I
noticed them less as I concentrated on the gentle
assurance of Christs presence and the peace it
brought to my spirit.
Later, I wondered how often I choose to
listen to the negative voices blaring in my ears
from the culture around me just because theyre
the loudest. I promised to become more sensitive
to the gentle whisper of Jesus, which I would
much rather hear. by Dianne Neal Matthews
Faith Step: Whose voice will you listen
to today? When you feel fearful or troubled,
ask Jesus to whisper reassurance to your spirit.
[Mornings With Jesus 2020 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
COMMENTARY
God not only wants to hear us, but he
wants us to hear him. What does he sound like? How
does that happen? From my experience, it occurs
in many different ways. A lot of people tell
me, "Well, I waited to hear the voice of God
boom across the heavens, but it was pretty
quiet."
Not that he can't boom when he wants, but
I suspect he more often speaks to us the way
he spoke to Elijah, as indicated in today's
verse.
Scripture says very clearly that there
was a wind that tore through the mountains and
shattered the rocks, but God was not in the wind. Then
there was a huge earthquake, where most people
would probably expect to find God, but God was not
in the earthquake. Then there was a blazing
fire, but God was not in the fire. Finally, there
came a "gentle whisper" - and that's how God
spoke to Elijah.
God may speak to you in the same way: a
gentle whisper. It may happen when you're in
prayer, or as you open up his Word and soak in the
truth you find there. God may speak to you through
other people or even through circumstances. When
you have eyes to see what he's doing and ears to
hear what he's saying, God may speak to you
directly.
Today pay attention and listen closely
for the voice of God. What is he saying to you?
I'm grateful for how you listen to my
prayers, Lord, but I also want to listen and hear
your voice. Speak to me, God, and give me ears to
hear. [Daily Power by Craig Groeschel]
The prophet Elijah went to a remote place
to meet with God. He was stretched to his limit
and told God exactly how frustrated and
discouraged he was. God sent a mighty windstorm, but God
wasn't in the wind. Then God sent an earthquake,
but God wasn't in the earthquake. Then God sent
a fire, but God wasn't in the fire.
When God had Elijah's complete attention,
God came to Elijah in a gentle whisper. God
listened to Elijah, and God whispered gently but
firmly what Elijah needed to hear.
God often speaks in a gentle whisper, so
we need to silence the distractions - including
the distractions inside our heads - in order to
hear him. Consider turning off your phone, going
to someplace quiet, and telling God what's on
your mind. Then wait for his whisper. Even five
or ten minutes in a busy day can make a big
difference. Or if you're really at your limit, a day
away with plenty of rest might make you more
effective in the long run. He's waiting for you.
If you remove the distractions in your
life, you'll hear God's gentle whisper. [The
Daniel Plan 365-Day Devotional]
CLOSING THOUGHT
We must individually hear Him speaking to
the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and
in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of
the soul makes more distinct the voice of God.
He bids us, "Be still, and know that I am God."
Here alone can true rest be found. And this is
the effectual preparation for all labor for God.
DA363
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Wait quietly in My presence while My
thoughts form silently in the depths of your being.
Do not try to rush this process, because hurry
keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of
the entire universe, yet I choose to make My
humble home in your heart. It is there where you
know Me most intimately; it is there where I
speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to
quiet your mind so that you can hear My still,
small voice within you. I am speaking to you
continually: words of Life Peace Love. Tune your
heart to receive these messages of abundant
blessing. Lay your requests before Me and wait in
expectation. (1Ki. 19:12; Psa. 5:3) [Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
1 Kings 19:11-12 - Keeping In Tune With
God's Still Small Voice.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2010/20100711-2133.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.revelationnow.com/
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio (recent):
https://bible.awr.org/en/the-signs/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
