SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE

1 Kings 19:11-13

“Is the Bible relevant today?” Stories from hundreds of years ago, weird names, suuuuper long chapters. It doesn’t always feel relevant. But to read Scripture is another way for God to provide comfort, clarity, and wisdom. Scripture meditations like this one can help you figure out how to get started reading the Bible.

 

Listening for God

God speaks in many different ways.

When we feel like we’ve stopped hearing from God, it might feel like he’s stopped speaking altogether. But what if he’s communicating in a new way?

The prophet Elijah saw God speak through miracles: providing food for a widow who had nothing, raising that same widow’s son from the dead, sending fire from Heaven to display his power, and sending a torrential downpour to break a three-year drought. 

But when Elijah had to flee to the desert to escape being murdered, God showed up quietly, giving Elijah rest, and speaking in a whisper.

God might speak to us in an unexpected way, too. Sometimes, we need to slow down and quiet our lives enough to listen for his voice.

1 Kings 19:11-13

“11 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. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’”

Observations from the Text

  • Elijah obeyed and positioned himself to hear from the Lord (v. 11)
  • God showed Elijah he was not speaking to him in the ways he used to (v. 11)
  • God spoke to Elijah in a new way (v. 12)
  • Elijah responds in humility (v. 13)

Prayers of Response

Almighty God, thank you for speaking to me!

Father who Speaks, I love to be in your presence. I long to hear your voice about _______.

Prayer Requests

Holy Spirit, give me eyes to see and ears to hear when you’re doing something new.

Lord who is Near, do not pass me by; do not let your voice be hidden from me.

Prayers of Readiness

God, I’m waiting in your presence; I’m seeking your voice by  _______.

Father, I receive what you have to say to me.

 

We believe simple Scripture meditations like this help us in our mission to creatively explore how we connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life. For more Scripture meditations, visit this page!  

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™