Discerning His Still Small Voice: Discovered in the Sound of Gentle Silence

It can often be difficult to discern God’s still small voice, Amen? We long for an email or a text or a writing across the sky from above saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” As believers in sweet Jesus we know that the best place to be is standing firm in God’s good, pleasing and perfect will, mature and fully assured yet all too often we are left scratching our heads and wondering, did I make a wrong turn? Elisabeth Elliot wisely states: “‘How do I know God’s will for my life?’ ‘You discipline your emotions and do your next thing.’” Discipline our emotions and do the next right thing – good advice. The believer going forth in God’s strength, power and love through the indwelling Holy Spirit is the will of God. God will not let us miss His best for our lives if we are seeking it (and sometimes even if we are not as in the case of Jonah!).      

Most often our problems lie in the fact that when we persevere in the Christian course we object to God’s plan for our lives as it is not easy – indeed most often difficult – but always worth it, as we will never outgive Him. Our Lord Jesus certainly did not have it easy and further He also told us to count the cost of following Him. Just because life is hard certainly does not mean you are not in God’s will. The battle can often weary us as it did  for Elijah in our verses for today. When we go on the field - so to speak - in our earthly lives, grappling against Satan, few have the courage and resolution to persevere. This is particularly true when many are counseling us to give up, turn, tuck tail and run as Job’s wife did. A firm resolve, a strong conviction, courage and a heavenly mindset are necessary for the child of the King. It is far too easy to flee when troubles arise. And remember, Jesus promised we would have them. Plenty of them.   

Elisabeth Elliot writes: “God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to.” Further, Scripture tells us our rewards are kept securely in Heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves cannot break in and steal. God knows our hearts will be where are treasures are. Our cause is good. God will direct us on, instilling us with courage and leading us off with honor.