Stillness in the Storm
The wind sounded like a freight train as it roared through the valleys on either side of the mountain. We had already lived through three days of torrential rain, and the backside of the storms had brought 40 mph winds. As I lay next to my husband in our shivering tent, I wondered what it would be like not to hear either the rain pounding or the wind howling. It seemed an age since a time of quiet. I pondered our relative equanimity in the face of these mighty elements and gave up a prayer of thanksgiving for the Lord’s care and protection. We both believed He had sheltered us, as we and our belongings were still mostly dry and neither the tent nor the cabana over our outdoor “kitchen” had been carried away by the wind. We were hidden in the shelter of His wings, and all the while secretly thrilled at the challenge and adventure of facing His mighty creation.
The next day dawned bright, clear, blissfully windless, and cold. He built a roaring fire, over which we toasted bread and boiled coffee. We sat side by side in our camp chairs, gazing at that laughing fire. As one, we turned to look at each other and, laughing ourselves, snapped a high five of enormous satisfaction. We had come through, and it was grand.
As we traveled home today, I found myself considering Elijah’s encounter with God after running away from Jezebel. He had killed the false prophets at Mount Carmel, and she had vowed to kill him. He was afraid, and he was tired. The Lord sent an angel to feed him, and then he traveled to Mount Horeb where he talked with God. “And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?'” (1 Kings 19:11b-13 NASB)
I felt that I might have experienced a similar encounter. When we left for our camping trip, I was weary. So many demands had been made of us in recent months, and I was very much in need of rest and restoration. Though we had a couple of days with our camping buddies, they left before the storms. During the next four days, we weathered unceasing rain and mighty winds. The evidence of God, but not God.
He was with us, though, in the small voice within which spoke encouragement and comfort and ultimately clear direction for moving forward. We feel ready for the next thing, whatever that may be, and we know that no matter what storms will come, He is ever faithful and ever true.
Dear One, what storm are you facing? Are you tired and weary and ready to give up? Answer the Lord’s question to you: What are you doing here? Your honest response will open your heart to hear His whisper. That soft Voice will calm the mighty storm of anxiety and fear, and you will find rest for your soul.
Until next week, beloved, listen for the still small voice of God.