God is Not in the Earthquake

Elijah went up the mountain to meet with God. ‘The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” 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. And after the fire came a gentle whisper’ (1 Kings 19:11-12).

God speaks in the silence, when all is still. To hear His voice, we need to be in a quiet place, ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10).

In the beginning, ‘The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being’ (Genesis 2:7). The word translated from the original Hebrew as ‘breath’ can also mean ‘spirit.’ God breathed part of Himself, His breath of life, His Spirit, into Adam. And it’s by the same Spirit that we too can recognise Him and know Him. He doesn’t speak to our ears, or even to our mind, but gently and quietly, into our spirit.

Jesus knew the value of being alone with the Father, in a quiet place where He could share His heart, with no distractions. ‘Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed’ (Mark 1:35).

We live in a world of relentless sound, invading every area of life. To find God we need to seek a quiet place, away from the clamour of the world, where we can talk to Him without distraction, and allow Him to talk to us. Samuel was lying on the floor of the temple, by the ark of the covenant, when he heard the voice of God. “Speak, he said, “for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). And the Lord quietly revealed His plans to Samuel.

In the midst of all the turmoil and conflict of life, let’s find a peaceful corner, away from all godless chatter, where we can lay down our troubles and rest. ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10).

Let us remember the cross. Jesus died in our place, for our sins and with our sins, so that we could enjoy the fullness of life. ‘I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly’ (John 10:10). Allow Him to speak words of life into your spirit, as you receive with gratitude what is rightly yours. ’They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint’ (Isaiah 40:31, ESV).

Prayer: Lord, Your death is my life. I draw aside from the world today, casting all my cares upon You, and resting on Your truth. You will never fail me. So often I have failed You. Forgive me, Lord. Help me to be aware of Your presence, and to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. In His name. Amen.