In I Kings 19, we find Elijah, a God-fearing prophet, dedicated to saving Israel from the corruption of idol worship. He was unafraid to confront King Ahab and his evil wife, Jezebel, about their worship of Baal. They wanted him dead!
He performed several miracles — raising the dead, calling for a severe drought and calling fire down from heaven to demonstrate God’s power over the prophets of Baal. Following that last dramatic event and fearful of his life at the hands of Jezebel, he became depressed and wanted to die. Elijah was instructed to go to Mount Carmel, an exceptionally long journey. Upon arrival, he spent the night in a cave. The next morning, God confronted him and graciously allowed him to vent. He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too” (I Kings 19:10 NIV1984). He was afraid and despairing of life.
God comforts and encourages believers when they are feeling low. Elijah was no exception. “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by” (I Kings 19:11). Even a strong God-fearing person can become disheartened.
“Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire” (I Kings 19:11-12). What a frightening experience for Elijah!
Then came the solace. “And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave…” (I Kings 19:12-13), but he listened. Out of reverence and respect, he covered his face in the presence of God. From that still small voice, God sent him on a final mission where he would anoint a new king and choose another man of God, Elisha, to follow him. After that, Elijah was caught up to heaven in a whirlwind to be with the Lord forever. No more fear or depression; just joy and peace. (II Kings 2:11).
With a “gentle whisper,” God speaks to us. No frightening acts of nature are necessary unless that is the only way to get our attention. We must fight against distractions that drown out that still small voice. We need His words of comfort and encouragement in times of distress. We need to know His will for our lives and realize that only God can give us the peace for which we long.
It is hard to hear someone talking to you in a noisy room. You must be near that person to understand what she is saying. The same is true with God. We cannot hear His “gentle whisper” unless we are near Him. That will only happen through making prayer and Bible study a priority.
If you feel a little like Elijah — discouraged, depressed, a lost soul in an uncaring world — get alone with God with this plea. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:12). He will hear and will grant your desire.
An encouraging old hymn says in part, “When I am cast down in spirit and soul, He whispers sweet peace to me.” (William M Ramsey 1932). Do you believe it?
