After being hunted for his life, 1 Kings 19 tells us that Elijah was frightened (v. 3), discouraged (v. 4) and wanted badly to hear from God (v. 10).
CC Image courtesy of Joshua Ommen on Flickr
This passage also tells how God speaks—through a “still, small voice.”
“And he [the Lord] said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake 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 a still small voice.” (1Kings 19:11-12 KJV) Like Elijah, we want God to speak like the old musical group “Earth, Wind and Fire!” We want Him to blow us away, we want an earthshaking experience and we want fire from heaven. But God speaks through a “still small voice.” (See my blog on “Five Ways God Speaks to Us” for other ways to hear from God.)
Why a “still small voice?” I think it’s because if you want to hear a whisper you have to come close. God wants us to draw close and learn to listen for His gentle voice.
Jesus said; “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
Not only do we have to come close, we have to “wait on the Lord.” Scripture repeatedly tells the blessings of “waiting on the Lord:”
“Make your ways known to me, O LORD, and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me because you are God, my savior. I wait all day long for you.” (Psalm 25:4-5 GW)
“We wait for the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts find joy.” (Psalm 33:20-21a GW)
“Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the LORD will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won’t become weary. They will walk and won’t grow tired.” (Isaiah 40:31 GW)
What does it mean to “wait on the Lord?” Here’s my DEFINITION: to resist the urge to act impetuously and instead to clear away distractions and linger in fellowship with God, eagerly trusting Him to guide and give you everything needed for every life situation.
As we wait on Him, the Lord provides guidance through His “still small voice” speaking to our hearts. Some call it a “conviction,” or a “knowing,” or a “leading.” Whatever you call it, it’s wonderful when you hear from God!
For more help with hearing the voice of God through Listening Prayer see my articles on: