Daily Devotional for September 29, 2011

1 Kings 19:9-14
While Elijah was on Mount Sinai, the LORD asked, "Elijah, why are you here?"

He answered, "LORD God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!"

"Go out and stand on the mountain," the LORD replied. "I want you to see me when I pass by."

All at once, a strong wind shook the mountain and shattered the rocks. But the LORD was not in the wind. Next, there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. Then there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.

Finally, there was a gentle breeze, and when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat. He went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. The LORD asked, "Elijah, why are you here?" Elijah answered, "LORD God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!"

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

When an argument or crisis arises, the general human temptation is to raise one’s voice… to yell and scream. If you have ever been involved in a discussion with someone who remained calm and spoke softly and slowly, you know that this can be an incredibly powerful tactic. In public debate, the person who keeps his/her cool and controls the voice is usually the more effective speaker.

So why is it any surprise that God would come to us in a whisper instead of a loud booming voice? After all, He really doesn’t need to shout, does he? We are often looking – and listening – for the blustery effects of God’s “earth, wind and fire”… while He is whispering, “I’m right here, ready to meet your every need.”

Our challenge for today is to calm ourselves and truly look and listen for God… not in major, earth-shattering events or “signs” – but in the still small voice of a whisper. Where is He showing you His will for your life… a blessing you didn’t expect… or an opportunity to serve Him? Will you truly recognize God when He speaks?

Have you dialed back the volume your own heart and mind, so that you are attuned to whatever decibel level God uses? Isn’t it time you did?

©2011 Debbie Robus

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