Week 2: Listening to the Creator
The Still, Small Voice
Week 2, Day 6
We listen for what we want to hear. But what happens when the message is presented differently than we expected? This happened to Elijah when he was hiding out in a cave. He was depressed and discouraged because Jezebel was chasing him—he was running for his life. And this cave-hiding moment happened right after he had witnessed God’s demonstration of power against the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40).
Read 1 Kings 19:9-18.
A low whisper; a sound; a thin silence; a still, small voice.
Translators have wrestled with how to interpret the voice and presence of God that day. Whatever it was, however Elijah might best describe it, he knew that God was speaking to him. And after all that had occurred in recent days and the running he had done, he was finally ready to listen.
Instead of focusing on what God said to Elijah that day, we are going to follow his example and listen to the Creator through silence.
Spend at least 5 minutes in total silence. Set a timer so that you aren’t focused on how much time is left. Your thoughts, your family, and other distractions may make this a difficult exercise. But every time the “noise” threatens, repeat, “I am listening to the still, small voice.” I will share no more thoughts and give no more direction for today’s listening practice. I, too, am listening to the still, small voice.
Notes, drawings, or thoughts from listening to the still, small voice of the Creator:
We would love to hear from you! Please share with us what you are hearing and how you are growing in your devotion to listening.
This blog post is taken from the book Called to Listen: Forty Days of Devotion. To order a copy of this book, please visit our website and invite a friend to participate in the study with you. The book includes additional guides and questions to be reviewed in a small group context weekly.