Finding God in the Storm and the Silence

A few days ago, my city, Dallas, was hit by a sudden and violent thunderstorm.  Within minutes, the skies changed from blue to black.  Wind speeds were clocked at above 70 mph.  I stood by my windows watching as the rain pounded and the trees were twisted and torn by the torrential gusts.  The aftermath of the storm looked like a war zone as thousands were left without power for hours and even days.

Today, as I once again look out those windows, the debris is cleared and a gentle breeze rustles through the same treetops.  I am reminded of Elijah’s experience after the spectacular display of God’s power in defeating the prophets of Baal.  Then, Elijah immediately suffers a setback due to the retaliation of Jezebel.  Feeling disillusioned, Elijah hears God’s voice, and He tells him to “’Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.’” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke 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 the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.” (1Kings 19:11-13)

The same events that God used to show His mighty power against the enemy, now were found to be without His presence.  Instead, God comes to Elijah in a whisper.  So what is God trying to teach Elijah and us?

The God of the storm is the same God of the silence.  The events of a few days ago captivated the attention of everyone in Dallas.  I have no doubt that I was not the only one reminded of the presence of God in those moments.  But today, when the weather is clear and almost everyone has returned to their normal, daily patterns, are we aware that God is still right here?  His presence hasn’t changed, just our attention to it.

Today, let’s stop and recognize His presence in every detail of our lives.  Like Elijah, let’s be reminded that God can be found in both the wonder and the whisper.