Just a Whisper Away

By Edith Pont, M.A. - Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern with Turning Point Counseling 

I’m guilty of it. Yes, I’m embarrassed to say that in times of distress I too can spiral down into a “desperate” mode. I’m sure some of you can relate. Being in this mode can feel as if you are alone in the world of mixed emotions… with no one to hold you, to care for you, to understand your pain. The past two weeks have been a time of prayer, supplication, tears and hoping that God will hear our request. I’m not ready to share our painful story just yet – I’m still waiting for the miracle.

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Hardships can bring in an enormous amount of noise. Yes, noise. The phone rings and you get the news that you have cancer. You see the car approaching. All of a sudden you hear the screeching tires. Then the loud bang that you’ve been hit. It’s very difficult to hear God’s voice during these times. We focus so much on the clatter that we loose touch with hearing God speak to us. During these past days, I’ve been reminded of Elijah’s story found in 1 Kings 19:11-13:

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. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (NIV)

I’m astonished at Elijah’s sensibility in recognizing God’s voice. It takes an intimate relationship to be able to stand firm in the midst of such circumstances. Neither shattering rocks nor wild winds amused him. He was not shaken by the earthquake or mesmerized by the fire. He knew that this was all noise. So he waited… Then, came that gentle whisper… “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (v.13)

Sometimes, the noise around us creates fears and distractions. We notice our surroundings more than discerning God’s plans for us. The result is that we miss God.  Other times, we want God to shout the answers loud and clear. Again, we lack the patience in waiting for Him or inviting Him into our world. How can we hear God when we surround ourselves with irrelevant chatter? What if we practiced silent meditation and learned to listen for His sweet whisper? God is ALWAYS next to you, before you and behind you. He is everywhere. He is just a whisper away. Can you hear Him?

Today, I invite you to quiet your mind and tune your heart to His. Only then will you and I be able to discern His whisper… His voice is gentle… His words are comforting… His touch is soothing. Tell Him your worries and concerns, like Elijah did, and trust that He will guide you into safety.

Rest in His Word: John 10:27

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (NIV)

 Heart Checkup:

•    What are some of the “noises” in my life right now?

•    Write down three things that will help you discern God’s whisper.

By Edith Pont, M.A. - Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern with Turning Point Counseling 

The material contained in this newsletter has been prepared by an independent third-party provider. The material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, real estate and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is not without errors.

Compliments of
Turning Point Counseling
1370 N. Brea Blvd., Ste. 245 - Fullerton - CA - 92835
800-998-6329 - TurningPointCounseling.org