Crosswalk.com

Parenting by Design - April 5

Gentleness 

1 Kings 19:11-13: The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence, 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).

When it comes to communication, our culture believes bigger and louder is better. Consider our fascination with sold-out stadiums, loud music, pyrotechnics, and oversized monitors displaying flashy videos. Have we forgotten how to "be still" and hear the gentle voice of God in the midst of all this "noise"?

Although God has all of nature at His disposal, He usually speaks by gentle love and quiet persuasion to listening ears and hearts. He started the nation of Israel with a baby (Isaac), and He delivered them from bondage by another baby (Moses). He used a teenager with a sling and a few stones (David) to kill a giant, and He sent His own son, Jesus, as a baby to save us.

Take time out of your day to "be still" and listen to the quiet voice of God.