The phrase “still small voice” is found in 1 Kings 19:11-13. Modern translations have it as “the sound of a low whisper” (ESV), “a gentle whisper” (NIV, NLT), “a soft whisper” (CSB), or “the sound of a gentle blowing” (NASB). But the King James reads thus:
“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake 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 a still small voice…”1 Kings 19:11-12
We live in a world of loud, conflicting and confusing voices seeking our attention to captivate our minds, influence our finds and direct our actions or inactions. In the midst of all the chaos and rapidly unfolding events that do not largely make sense, God is speaking to us. The still small voice speaks to bring peace, clarity and sure direction. All we need to do is to be still and focus on God.
The story of how Elijah, the prophet of God who was used to seeing God’s miraculous power in his life and ministry was taught to slow down and listen to the still small voice of God, is a timely and a timeless life and faith lesson for all of us. Elijah had great success in his life and ministry. He was a man who called down the fire of God from heaven on water drenched sacrifice on Mount Carmel in the sight of all people Isreal in contention with the false prophets of Baal who had led the people to disobedience and idolatry. 1 Kings 19:12 Commentary
The significance of God choosing to speak to Elijah in a still small voice after the thundering, the lightening and then a fire at the mouth of the cave after his great victory and despondency is a clear indication that God wants us to be still in the midst of our busy lives, the high and low times in our lives including in times of success or victories to be still and hear the unmistakable still small voice that will not set us on the path of confusion. Psalm 46:10
This revelation challenges our expectations of divine encounters and how God can choose to speak to us. We encounter deep truths to embrace God’s promises in times of stillness before God. The story of Elijah’s encounter with God teaches us to also seek Him in subtle, quiet moments even in the midst of our busy lives and daily commitments because the voice we listen to captivates our minds and shape who we become. Are you too busy to pause and be still to hear the gentle still small voice? Are you confused by the loud voices out there seeking for captivate your mind, control your thoughts and actions? God is as near as a whispered call.
Throughout the ages, God has been speaking in many ways to mankind. He is still speaking through the still small voice like He did with Elijah of old. God is speaking to us today through His word, through His still small voice and other means He determines necessary including through the sound counsel we receive to get our attention. Jesus declared that His sheep know His voice and follow it. John 10: 27
The voice of God brings clarity and peace. His voice does not bring torment or fear because He speaks and guides us in love and compassion. God also corrects us in love. The voice of God will not lead us to do wrong or harm others. What we need to do is to reset, pause and be still in our journey of life by paying attention to the unmistakable still small voice speaking above all conflicting voices. The still small voice leads us in the path of righteousness, and sure direction which is what we really need in a world of constant chaos. Isaiah 30:21
We ignore the still small voice to our own detriment. God is always speaking truth, and the Holy Spirit helps us to discern God’s truth to reject the lies of the enemy of our souls. John 16:13