Reading: 1 Kings 19: 1-15a
Noise seems an almost constant. We are always “on” – connected through our cell phones, computers, and tablets. Media is an ever present companion. At points we come to long for a little silence, for a break from all the noise. Even as I sit here in the relative quiet of the early morning, I can hear birds chirping. It is nice noise. And I can also hear vehicle after vehicle driving on the highway.
Elijah’s life had been a whirlwind of activity. His dealings with Ahab and Jezebel had been loud and confrontational. Elijah has just defeated the prophets of Baal and has had them all killed. Word of this has brought threat to his life from Jezebel. In the midst of this, Elijah flees to the wilderness. He is seeking solitude and safety. But in the desert his fear and worry become the noise he hears. He is exhausted physically and emotionally and is prepared to die.
How often does our busyness consume us? How often does it seem like life is just one thing after another? With work, family, social, and other responsibilities it seems like sleep is our only respite. Then that is restless too as our mind is filled with all we need to get done tomorrow. Even if we manage a little quiet time, the noise of our minds – stress, worry, anxiety, … – seizes our focus and draws us away from our prayer or Bible focus.
God too Elijah out into the wilderness. He did not find God in the wind, fire, or earthquake. Elijah found God in the still, small voice, in the whisper. Today, may we too find God in the quiet. May we slow down and draw near to God today.
pastorjohnb 