1 Kings 19:11-13
“Can you hear me now?” Everyone has asked or been asked this well-known question at one time or another on a telephone call. The question implies that somewhere during the in-depth or brief phone conversation something has interfered with the connection causing a momentary disconnect between the parties on the line.
In 1 Kings 19:11-13, we find the prophet Elijah on the run for his life after Queen Jezebel learns of the amazing and victorious feat on Mount Carmel. Elijah had executed her false prophets (see 1 Kings 18 for all the juicy details!). In verse 11 of 1 Kings 19, God gives Elijah a directive to “[g]o out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord . . . .” (NKJV.) While Elijah stands in position on the mountain as the Lord instructed, he experiences the Lord’s presence in four ways – the wind, an earthquake, a fire, and a still small voice. Scripture points out that the Lord was not in the grand chaos of the wind, earthquake or fire, but rather He chose to show His profound presence to Elijah through His still small voice.
Similar to the connectivity issues or interferences we may have experienced with our mobile devices, there are times in our lives that we may sense that a “spiritual” disconnect has occurred between us and our loving heavenly Father. This perceived disconnection does not necessarily mean that God has stop talking to us, but it may be a possible indication that some form of interference has caused us to no longer hear God’s voice as clearly as we did before.
There are many “voices” that are constantly vying for our attention in this technological and digital era. Perpetual messages are being sent our way through multiple social media outlets that we connect with on a daily basis. If we are not careful the primary Voice we need to hear and connect with will be drowned out, because our ears will become inundated with these other voices. As such, it is imperative that we establish and maintain appropriate boundaries to minimize the influx of other voices incessantly seeking our attention. Boundaries will safeguard our lifeline connection with the only Voice that deserves our undivided attention and ensure that we clearly and concisely hear all that God has to say.
On today, do you find yourself in a place like Elijah? Are you desperately running for your life trying to make sense of its meaning or purpose, while dealing with trials, tribulations or even triumphs? Are you trying to detect God’s voice or His answer in the seemingly great happenings or chaos occurring in your life or all around you? Perhaps, like Elijah, God is beckoning you to slow down, be still, and stand in His presence so that you can hear His still small voice whisper ever so sweetly and softly to you – “Can you hear me now?”
Ta-Tanisha Henry, affectionately known as “Sis. Ta” was born and raised in San Francisco, California. She is a member of Shekinah Christian Fellowship in San Francisco, California under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Tyrone S. Hillman, Jr. She is intricately involved in her church’s ministry, which consists of her work with the Praise & Worship Team, Choir, Discipleship Training, and the Women of Wisdom, to name a few of her good works. Sis. Ta has an intense, red-hot love for God and His people. Her ultimate and sole desire is to share God’s word and His love with all people, and see lives transformed and healed by the power of the Holy Spirit.