When we pray we should be quiet in order to hear the voice of God speaking to us. But how often is God’s voice drowned out by the chaos of our busy lives? God’s manifestation of himself to Elijah, he saw no manner of similitude, any more than Israel did when God talked to them in Horeb.
But, he heard a strong wind, and saw the terrible effects of it, for it rent the mountains and tore the rocks. These were to usher in the designed manifestation of the divine glory.At last he perceived a still small voice, in which the Lord was, that is, by which he spoke to him, and not out of the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire. Those struck an awe upon him, awakened his attention, and inspired humility and reverence; but God chose to make known his mind to him in whispers soft, not in those dreadful sounds. When he perceived this, he wrapped his face in his mantle, as one afraid to look upon the glory of God, and apprehensive that it would dazzle his eyes and overcome him. The wind, and earthquake, and fire, did not make him cover his face, but the still voice did. Gracious souls are more affected by the tender mercies of the Lord than by his terrors. God is the most powerful being in the universe. When He spoke, our solar system and everything on planet Earth came into being. He breathed and Adam lived. With that much power, imagine what might happen if He were to sing or shout! But the Bible says He speaks to us in a still, small voice. Maybe the reason we don’t hear God’s voice when we pray is that we are surrounded by too much noise. Like the music at a concert when we can’t hear ourselves think, the cacophony of everyday life can overshadow God’s voice – no matter the volume.
When we realize that God is completely in control of all the details of creation, it should make us even more astounded at who He is.
As we realize the limitlessness of His power and sovereignty, it should cause us daily to fall on our knees and worship Him. To let God perform His work, we must give up our proud self-sufficiency. Sometimes He uses blessings and answered prayers, overwhelming us with His love. Or He may choose trials, difficulties, sorrow to polish our faith. He must not only awaken and terrify us with amazing signs, like the earthquake and fire, but he must endeavor, with a still small voice, to convince and persuade us, and not forsake us when he should be addressing us. Faith comes by hearing the word of God; miracles do but make way for it. My Dad once told me “the best way to pray and communicate with God is silently in your heart” because He is the all seeing and a good listener.
As we contemplate who God is and all that He has in His power, we should respond to Him in unrestrained devotion and obedience. We serve an incredible, powerful, and majestic God! In the Hebrew language He is El Olam (He is Everlasting God) El Gibbor (Mighty God). It’s time to remove the distractions and dial down the chaos. Listen for God’s voice beyond the clamor. It will be a welcome sound indeed.