Gentle Whispers

As I sat, looking at my computer screen today, asking the Lord what He wanted to share with me...and in turn for me to share with you, I felt prompted to share this simple thought...

God is speaking...will you give Him a few minutes to simply listen?

My newest book is called: When He Whispers...God's Speaking Even When You Think He Isn't. (I'm awaiting a response today, from a publishing house, whether it will be published or not....ahhh the anticipation.)

The concept of the book came from years of walking with the Lord, learning to hear His voice...combined with Elijah's experience in 1 Kings 19:11-13, which reads, "The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave." (NIV)

God gently calls for our attention. Amidst all our distractions He whispers to us, calling us to incline our ear to listen for His voice. Our busy "to do" lists attempt to distract us...our own ambitions try to divert our attention...but God whispers to spend time with Him.

If you are like me, I tend to expect God to show up in some magnificent way. I want Him to boldly speak to me from a burning bush...or to knock me off my horse with a bright flashing light and thundering voice if He wants my attention...BUT the truth is...most of the time...He simply and very gently whispers..."Come away with Me." "Spend time in My presence." "Rest." "Lay your burdens down and fellowship with Me." "Draw near to Me...there is so much I want to share with you."

His voice isn't thundering; it isn't demanding; He doesn't arrogantly demand my praise or adoration; rather, He gently whispers and then waits to see if I will respond.

Here are a few tips that help me to hear His voice more readily:

1. Get alone in a quiet place. (This can be a closet, a car, or in a room where no one else is...bathrooms are great place for seclusion in my home).    :)
2. Take 2 steno pads of paper with you. Use one to write out your prayer (which helps maintain focus on God.) On the 2nd, write any thoughts that attempt to divert you from spending time praying.
3. Sit quietly for 5 minutes, ask God to speak to you. Write down any verses or thoughts He shares.
4. If you hear nothing...don't get frustrated...simply praise God for WHO HE IS, and thank Him for the truth that you know He longs to speak to you.
5. Then, go on with your day. (Life doesn't stand still.) BUT, throughout your day, invite God to speak. When you face a decision, ask for God's wisdom. When you're running out of time and the list seems longer than the minutes you have to accomplish your task...ask for God's help. Allow Him to interrupt your schedule. Give Him permission to speak, by surrounding yourself with open doors for His presence to speak (like a small near by Bible...or praise music in your vehicle...or post it notes that declare His promises, etc...)

Friends, the truth is, God is speaking..."EVEN WHEN WE THINK HE ISN'T." So listen closely, and you may just hear His gentle answer to the question you've been asking!

PRAYER: Father, help us to hear Your voice. Teach us how to listen. And then speak clearly Lord, helping us to recognize You. In Jesus name we pray, amen!