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?"
Last Tuesday, I receive a most unexpected and remarkable gift.
I arrive home after dropping granddaughter, Virginia Rose, at an activities camp at our church and running an additional errand to an uncharacteristically quiet house. Husband, Danny, has taken MIL to her dentist in Cartersville to get her bridge repaired.
When I open the door from garage to downstairs, I'm immediately made aware - there is no whirring and sighing from the oxygen generator!
Silence.
As I ascend the stairs to our main floor, no sound of television or conversation disturbs the peace.
Silence.
The hush is so complete, the momentary interruption of ice cubes dropping in the freezer sounds like a clanging cymbal.
The silence, profound and pervasive, commands my full attention.
And unmistakably, I hear God whisper: Enjoy this moment. Live into it. I made it for you.
I am speechless . . .
And in that instant, I know I'm standing not on the wood floor of my humble home. I am standing on Holy Ground.
Eyes closed. Breathing deeply, steadily. I mouth the words, "Thank you, Lord."
Silence.
He is passing by . . .
Amen!
What an experience, Martha. It will be memorable for a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Indeed, it will be, Victor.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Amen indeed Martha. Those times are so rare but so special. I'm glad you were "listening" and was able to enjoy the moment.
ReplyDeleteAnd enjoy it, I did, Bill, believe me!
DeleteLove and blessings!
LOVE THIS! One of my favorite passages---"A Whisper"---a HOLY whisper! WHAT a gift to have heard that Holy Whisper!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
One of my favorites, too, Lulu, after this experience. Yes, what a gift this was!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh yes!! God moments...thank you Jesus!!!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Marla, those God moments are the best!
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Oh, Martha! I love when the presence of the Lord comes to us like what you have described. He is so good!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
There's nothing we can even compare to that, is there, Beckie? Just astounding!
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The sound of silence!! Sometimes it does indeed speak louder than words. Our God is amazing!
ReplyDeleteYes, Terri, our God is an awesome God!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love that first verse. I like the image of waiting expectantly, waiting in silence, in stillness. There are so many verses in the Bible that tell us to be quiet, to watch and wait for God. One of my favorites is Psalm 62:5 -- "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence." What a great moment you had.
ReplyDeleteYes, Galen, it was such a splendid moment, I don't think I'll ever cease to be awed by it. And you are so right about all those verses in the Bible that call on us to be still, to watch, to wait. Wish all of us could do that more often!
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Oh, I understand that moment so well...so glad that you recognized it and treasured it for what it was. They are so fleeting, but can be so restorative and refreshing. Thank you for reminding us to be cognizant of those fleeting moments alone with God, "on Holy Ground".
ReplyDeleteYes, Pamela, these moments can be fleeting, but the effect lingers and feeds us with God's grace. I'm sure you've felt that Holy Ground presence many times in your Secret Garden. God is so good, isn't He?
DeleteLove and blessings!
Lamentations 3:26: It is good that one should both wait, and that in silence, for the salvation of Jehovah.
ReplyDeleteAmen, David!
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