I think one of the greatest challenge in today’s busy and noisy culture is being still enough to hear the voice of God.

Anyone remember the story of Elijah?

Elijah had One of the Greatest Victories Ever

He called fire down from heaven showing the prophets of Baal that their God was powerless in front of the one true God. Then, God used him to do away with the 400 false teachers. One man against 400!

But as so often happens, on the heel of a victory comes a test. Queen Jezebel vowed to avenge the deaths of the 400 by getting rid of Elijah; and he took off running for his life.

Tired and Hangry

He ran until he could run no more and laid down under a tree after first praying to die. He was just a man, after all.

God sent angels to minister to Elijah, not once but twice. He ate real angel’s food (which was bread and not cake) and slept for two days. After that, he took off again on a quest to find God. He traveled 40 days on the strength of that heavenly food.

When he arrived, he expected to hear from God audibly. He anticipated some kind of miracle or display of His power. He’d witnessed fire from heaven; surely there would be more!

Ready to Listen

But God didn’t sound like Elijah thought he would. There were mighty winds, an earthquake, a fire, but God wasn’t in any of those things. He was found instead in a still quiet voice.

(My 5 minutes are up, but there is more to say.)

I’ve thought about this a lot. At first glance, it seemed Elijah was whining to God and basically saying, “Look all I’ve done for You and this is what I get? A bounty on my head?”

God didn’t commiserate with him. Instead, He told Elijah to go BACK and anoint others to the work. Why Elijah had to even anoint his own replacement!

But God doesn’t think the way we think. He knew it was time for Elijah to come Home. He knew He had more for His servant. Elijah was obedient and did what God asked. And in the end, he received an exalted position. He is going to be one of the Two Witnesses in the end times.

What’s to be learned here?

It’s important to keep listening to hear God’s voice. We might not have to travel 40 days fueled by angel’s food to hear Him; but it’s worth whatever it takes to know you’ve connected with Him. Below are listed some scriptures pointing out the first step is being still. Turn off the noise. He can be found in the silence.

What the Word Says about Stillness

Surrender your anxiety.
    Be still and realize that I am God.
    I am God above all the nations,
    and I am exalted throughout the whole earth. – Psalm 46:10 TPT

May we never forget that Yahweh works wonders
    for every one of his devoted lovers.
    And this is how I know that he will answer my every prayer.
Tremble in awe before the Lord, and do not sin against him.
    Be still upon your bed and search your heart before him.
Pause in his presence
Bring to Yahweh the sacrifice of righteousness and put your trust in him. – Psalm 4:3-5 TPT

I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love,
    waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me.
    Only God is my Savior, and he will not fail me. Psalm 6:5 TPT

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, 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 the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” – 1 Kings 19:11-13 NLT

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I just want you to know how highly I value those of you who visit my little piece of the cyberspace to read my words. I believe my calling is to encourage others with words of hope and blessing. Thank you especially to those who respond with comments. You make it worthwhile!

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This post was written in response to the prompt, “still,” given to the community at Five Minute Friday. In interest of full disclosure, I did write for 5 minutes, and then added on more. I also took more time choosing photos, scriptures and headings. (I’m extra like that.)

I’ll be sharing this post with the communities at Five Minute Friday, Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Tell His Story, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee, Tune In Thursday

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All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using family and stock photos. Please do not copy.

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