I’m always a little perplexed when people tell me they heard the voice of God or God told them to do this or that. Sometimes I have my doubts because most people who tell me this don’t quiet down long enough for anyone to tell them anything. How can God speak to someone who never stops talking?
While it’s true God sometimes reveals himself in powerful, miraculous ways, it’s also true he speaks with a still, small voice. If we are never quiet, we will not hear it.
Take the example of Elijah. When he fled to the wilderness in fear of Jezebel thinking he was the only person left who was true to God, he stood on the mountain to experience God (1 Kings 19:10-13). A wind force shattered the rocks, but God was not in the wind force. An earthquake rattled the ground, but God was not in the earthquake. A fire scorched the earth, but God was not in the fire. Finally Elijah heard a “gentle whisper.” In the quiet of that moment the Lord spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice. Elijah knew the sound of that whisper was God’s voice.
Sometimes if we step back from the noise of everyday life, we might hear God whispering to us. He could whisper to us through his Word. He could whisper to us through prayer. He could whisper to us while we meditate. However, if we are never silent we won’t be able to hear what he has to say.
Dan Rather once asked Mother Teresa, “What do you say to God when you pray?”
Mother Teresa answered quietly, “I listen.”
Taken aback, Rather tried again, “Well, then, what does God say?”
Mother Teresa smiled, “He listens.”
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” All in all, I think that is pretty good advice.
