1KINGS 19:11-12: “Go and stand before Me on the mountain, the Lord told him. And Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain… but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a sound of a gentle whisper. Elijah heard it…” (NLT). Have we ever got so caught up in listening to the loud voices of distraction that we miss the gentle whispers of God?

When we are unable to hear the hopelessness in someone’s eyes, when we cannot hear the silent anguish in someone’s expression and when we cannot hear the cry for help in someone’s tears, then we have missed God’s gentle whispers! God constantly speaks to us. He speaks through His own creation: He speaks through the intricate design and colour of the flower, the vibrant reflection of the sunset on the ocean, the majestic form of the mountains against the white clouds and blue skies and the delicate colours of the rainbow and on and on…

God will not compete with the noisy distractions of this world to get our attention. He remains undaunted, sovereign and holy; full of love, wisdom and compassion. He is ready to comfort, guide and instruct those of us who are unwilling to be distracted by the compelling voices of the world. The ability to “listen louder” is our choice, we make the decision to either ignore or listen to God’s “gentle whisper”.

Eternal Father, teach us as a nation to recognise and heed Your voice of encouragement, wisdom and compassion. Help us to pay attention to Your gentle whispers and obey, so that You may guide us in the path of righteousness and true success for Your name’s sake.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

celtakirk@yahoo.com