The voice of the Lord is meant to get our attention; from the whisper He used with Elijah to the thunder He uses over His creation, His powerful voice is intended to be heard.
God’s voice is heard best when it is heard on a personal level. God’s words to Elijah were whispered like one would call a child close and whisper in their ear covered by a cupped hand. Can’t you see it? Elijah came close and was actively listening to his God.
Before the Lord used his quiet voice with His prophet, He told Elijah;
“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” and as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind.
After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.
And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13
God spoke many various ways to His beloved servants. It was inside a tent with Moses.
“Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face.” Exodus 33:11
It was in a storm with Job.
Job said “God’s voice thunders in wonderful ways; he does great things we cannot understand.” Job 37:1-5
It was overall natural sounds with David.
David wrote, “The Lord’s voice is heard over the sea. The glorious God thunders; the Lord thunders over the ocean. The Lord’s voice is powerful; the Lord’s voice is majestic.” Psalm 29:3-4
And for you and me? It is when we dare to get close.
Cup your ear and hear God’s whisper to you. He wants to be near to you.
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” James 4:8
God wants you to hear His voice; through His word, through His creation, and through His answered prayers.
Dare to discern His voice.
—Beth Stafford, Daughters of Encouragement (DOE)