Read: 1 Kings 19:11-12
I recently watched a concert video on TikTok, and every aspect of the performance was stunning. The lights, the music, the energy—it all felt so powerful. Curious, I scrolled through the comments, and one snarky person wrote, “Churches try so hard to create moments like this.” I couldn’t help myself—I had to reply, “The church invented this! That’s why it’s called a religious experience, not a concert experience.” And it’s true. The church often aims for those big, emotional mountaintop moments with God. But what happens when we don’t have those experiences? We may start to wonder if God is moving in our lives at all.
In our spiritual walk, we sometimes expect God’s presence to feel grand and overwhelming, like a powerful wind or a consuming fire. We might attend conferences, seek out dynamic speakers, or chase after emotional worship experiences, thinking that these are the primary ways God reveals Himself. But as Elijah discovered on Mount Horeb, God doesn’t always manifest in dramatic ways. After the wind, earthquake, and fire passed, it was in the stillness of a gentle whisper that Elijah finally heard God’s voice.
It’s easy to crave those mountaintop experiences where God feels undeniably close. However, if we only associate His presence with big, emotional moments, we risk overlooking the countless ways He communicates with us every day. God often speaks in the quiet moments—through the soft rustling of leaves, the warmth of a sunrise, the encouraging words of a friend, or the peace that settles during prayer.
When we over-sensationalize God’s presence, we can miss the subtle, intimate ways He reaches out to us. By attuning our hearts to recognize His voice in the ordinary, we open ourselves to a deeper, more consistent relationship with Him. Let’s slow down, quiet our souls, and listen for His gentle whisper amid the noise of life.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you ever been tempted to over-sensationalize what it means to experience God?
- In what quiet or unexpected ways have you felt God’s presence recently?
- How can you remain open to God’s whisper in your daily life?