Elisha’s Humble Silence and God’s Gentle Whisper: Understanding His Unseen Guidance

In the Bible, 1 Kings 19:11-13, we witness a profound lesson in listening to the still small voice of God. This voice is not one of grand gestures or overwhelming displays but rather a quiet and gentle whisper, often heard only by those who earnestly seek Him.

Context of Elijah’s Experience

The prophet Elijah had just experienced a dramatic series of events. Israel’s banner, so to speak, had been lifted, and a strong wind, earthquake, and fire had passed over him. However, after all this tumult, Elijah waited and listened. He was moved by a gentle breeze that turned out to be the comforting presence of God. This experience taught him, and later us, the importance of recognizing the still small voice that whispers in our hearts.

Applying This Lesson: The IRS Call

Just as Elijah learned to listen to the divine whispers, I learned to discern God’s gentle nudges in a seemingly chaotic day. A few months ago, I was at an antique engine and tractor show with my husband. The environment was bustling with machinery noise, people talking, and numerous lawn and golf equipment machines. Such settings can be incredibly noisy, making it difficult to hear even the most urgent calls.

The IRS Agent’s Call

The day before, I had missed an important call from an IRS agent who was helping me correct a mistake on my tax return. The call was vital, and I froze, unable to hear it due to the overwhelming noise. This time, I faced the same challenge but with a new approach.

I could not rely on my phone’s ringer because of the noise. Then, an idea came to me. I knew I could feel the phone’s vibration if I placed it flat on the palm of my hand. This method allowed me to sense the subtle vibrations that indicated an incoming call. After some adjustments, I found the perfect vibration pattern that would alert me to an important call.

A moment of silence and focus allowed me to hear the still small voice guiding me. When the needed vibrations came through, I swiftly moved to a quieter spot and answered the call. The IRS agent and I exchanged the necessary information, likely averting a potential tax issue.

Earnestly Seeking God’s Guidance

Reflecting on this experience, I realized that this is precisely how God often communicates with us—through the still small voice. This voice comes as a sense of what needs to be done, what needs to be said, or who we should visit. Just as Elijah did, we must learn to recognize these subtle nudges in our daily lives.

As I sought God more actively and earnestly on a moment-by-moment basis, I found it easier to recognize His gentle whispers. The more He guided me, the more I sought Him. It is a relationship that grows over time, much like a friendship that deepens with continued communication and mutual understanding.

Oswald Chambers’ Insight

Oswald Chambers, a renowned Christian author, once said in his devotional, My Utmost for His Highest:

“Keep your life so constantly in touch with God that His surprising power can break through at any point. Live in a constant state of expectancy and leave room for God to come in as He decides.”

According to Chambers, the key is to maintain constant communication with God. By doing so, we prepare ourselves to receive His guidance in any form, whether it be a dramatic wind or a subtle whisper.

Growing in Communion with God

Like Elijah, we must learn to listen to the still small voice. It is not always loud or commanding, but it is there, guiding us through the noise and confusion of life. By actively seeking God and relying on His gentle nudges, we can navigate life with greater discernment and purpose.

May we all learn to listen for God’s whispers, recognize His guiding presence, and grow closer to Him in this vital relationship.