The Gentle Whisper

Posted on by Jennifer Arimborgo

quiet

“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” (1 Kings 19:11-12, NIV).

God was not in the dramatics. He wasn’t in the powerful wind. He wasn’t in the earthquake or the fire. He was in the gentle whisper.

However, He did include those three dramatic elements in the story. Why? What was the point, if He wasn’t going to speak through them? Can you imagine a wind so powerful it was tearing the mountain apart? Why add such a thing if it wasn’t the medium of His communication?

Put yourself in Elijah’s sandals for a moment. How must he have felt, with the ground swaying underneath his feet, right after watching tornado-strong winds rip away the edges of his hiding place? What was racing through his mind when the flames roared around him immediately following?

I suspect that God was allowing Elijah to watch, feel, and experience a dramatic physical portrayal of the turmoil the prophet had been experiencing inside. In a way, He was acknowledging Elijah’s feelings. It’s like He allowed the elements to stage a terrifying drama to communicate very personally to him, “This is how you feel inside, isn’t it, son? I deeply understand. And I am not in the storm. I am not the author of all the pain you have been feeling. But I am right here with you in the midst of it.”

He then allowed His son to experience a spectacular portrayal of the tremendous relief that comes when He Himself calms the storm. The noise and fury were abruptly swallowed up in silence. Serene silence. Holy Spirit calm reverberated through the atmosphere and took over. His gentle whisper began to envelope and heal the prophet’s troubled soul. “The storm has passed. I’m here. I’m listening. Tell me your troubles, child.”

What is there to glean from this as we study how to listen for Daddy’s voice? It’s this: He is not in the storm. He is not a God of confusion, but of peace. In our journey of coming to know our Good Shepherd’s voice with intimate familiarity, it’s vitally important to learn which voices are not His. Elijah clearly had become closely acquainted with His voice. He recognized when God wasn’t speaking. This differentiation was crucial for the emotional healing that he so desperately needed at that difficult junction in his life.

Here are a few distinctions to keep in mind, as you tune in to listen for the Shepherd’s voice:

  1. If He is speaking, His voice will bring clarity; not turmoil. It will bring resolution and hope; not heaviness. If there’s a storm of confusion raging in your emotions, that’s not Him talking.
  2. If He needs to correct you, the inner witness of His Spirit will bring gentle conviction. He only disciplines us with utmost love; never with anger or impatience. If the voice of condemnation is threatening to tear apart your inner refuge, that’s not Him.
  3. He will never be harsh. God IS love. He may speak or act sternly if one of His beloved children is being obstinate, but even His sternness is an expression of His intense, passionate concern for our eternal wellbeing. Whether it be in correction, in guidance, or in a simple outpouring of His affection, His voice can always be distinguished by the healing quality of its timber. The wellspring of all of His communication is His infinite love. This love permeates and characterizes everything that He ever speaks.

No matter what your circumstance is today, quiet yourself to listen to Daddy. He is overflowing with eagerness to impart to your spirit exactly what You need. Whatever anxiety or discouragement may be troubling you, His gentle whisper will bring profound restoration to your soul. Remember, He’s not in the storm. Listen for His still, small, healing voice, dear one. Shhhhhh… listen.

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What are some of the ways God has taught you to distinguish His voice from others cleverly disguised as His?

 

 

31 thoughts on “The Gentle Whisper”

  2. Jennifer, I always so look forward to your insights and wisdom in the Word of God. I share many of these with friends and they are blessed.
    The Father’s voice, is so distinctive when we read and meditate on His Word. It is light, it is love, it is healing, it is all I need in the moment. Where as other voices are filled with confusion, fear, hopelessness and turmoil. Our circumstances so often interrupt our peace and joy. If I continue focusing on that it is most difficult to hear the still, quiet voice. Amen Len Wisniewski

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  3. Much applause for this post, on a subject I’m always reminding (pestering!) my people about. If your environment is noisy and your head and heart are noisy, the only message one can expect from above is to step away from it all. God isn’t going to shout over music, television, phone, or family; we deserve the chance to get away from distractions and quiet ourselves. That’s the only way we will truly be able to speak to Him, and to listen. — Mike

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    1. Again, thank you, my friend! I am so glad you are helping people get quiet with Him too. There’s nothing more important! I also enjoyed reading a bit of your story today. I am curious, what were you before you joined the Catholic Church?

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      1. Cumberland Presbyterian, attending a Norman Rockwell-ish country church in which more than half the congregation was related. I am grateful for my faith upbringing; it instilled the importance of a faith family and gave me a foundation to work from that made the switch to Catholicism much easier than it might have been. And I believe it has helped me as I try and build bridges through my column in the local newspaper. I am a tool of the Master Gardener 🙂

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  6. Jennifer, I came back with Chapter 6 from Quran where many prophets are mentioned and thought you might like reading it😊
    [ Chapter 6]

    ( 82 )   They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice – those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided.

    ( 83 )   And that was Our [conclusive] argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.

    ( 84 )   And We gave to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – all [of them] We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and among his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good.

    ( 85 )   And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias – and all were of the righteous.

    ( 86 )   And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot – and all [of them] We preferred over the worlds.

    ( 87 )   And [some] among their fathers and their descendants and their brothers – and We chose them and We guided them to a straight path.

    ( 88 )   That is the guidance of Allah by which He guides whomever He wills of His servants. But if they had associated others with Allah, then worthless for them would be whatever they were doing.

    ( 89 )   Those are the ones to whom We gave the Scripture and authority and prophethood. But if the disbelievers deny it, then We have entrusted it to a people who are not therein disbelievers.

    ( 90 )   Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so from their guidance take an example. Say, “I ask of you for this message no payment. It is not but a reminder for the worlds.”

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  7. Peace on you Jennifer😊 good morning, sorry for the late reply, I got too busy at work.
    Of course my dear, all our beloved messengers and prophets are mentioned in many chapters and verses, If I have to answer your question: then I would say: I read it everyday! You might be surprised, but yes, and that’s only when I do my daily prayers ( 5 times a day ) and I read it out of my prayers at least 2 times per week, and do my best to read it as much as I can, beacuse it makes me feel so peaceful and secure, ❤they are the words of the Lord, how can’t that be relaxing 😊

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    1. Thank you for sharing 🙂 You are very dedicated! That kind of dedication and discipline demonstrates a profound loyalty and deep hunger. So have you read the entire book at this point then?

      Peace to you too, dear one, and much grace and love. 🙂

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  8. Peace upon you my dear Jennifer, hope you having a great day ❤
    I did read the entire Quran yes many times, and I learn some chapters by heart, and may be in the future, hopefully, by the Lord’s will 😊, I plan to learn it all by heart ❤ my little brother did it though lol

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      3. The thing that is special in Quran, is that since it was revealed to the messenger Muhammad by reciting ( Gabriel the angel peace be on him, when he was sent to Muhammad by Allah, said: Read!( three times) , and Muhammad said: I can not read! This indicates that the Angel had presented these words of the Revelation before him in the written form and had asked him to read them. For if the Angel had meant that he should repeat what he recited, he should not have replied, saying “I cannot read!”  Then the angels said: Read! in the name of the Lord, Who is the Creator, Who created the whole universe and everything in it.”
        These were the very first words of the Lord to Muhammad peace be on him, and that was his first miracle; to recite the words of Allah in a very complicated thus simple amazing constructed sentences ( just to mention that during that time, Arabs were famous of their poems and Quran was in Arabic and was sent through the illiterate Muhammad! Just like Allah sent Moses with a big power and abilities “magic ” to convince his people who were famous of magic! So every Messenger and prophet was given a “higher” level than normal people to convince them that there’s one Lord One God that owns it all .. May Allah the Almighty bless us 😊 sorry for the long paragraph😰 I’m just trying to tell you a bit about Quran and how it was reavealed to Muhammad PBUH ❤ all the love and blessings dear Jennifer 🌷

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      4. I am glad to hear anything you would like to share with me, dear Nassima. God has put a special love in my heart for you. And this, too, is a fascinating story. I hadn’t heard it before. 😊 By the way, where do you live, if I may ask? I am curious. 😉

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  9. Oh! 😊You’re such a kind person Jennifer❤ You must have a very tender heart and I’m glad I came accross your blog! I am from south Algeria, where there’s lot of sand and camels haha😁 you may ask as much questions as you wish my dear ⭐and I’ll gladly answer you☺ May your day be shiny and may the smile never leaves your face💫 sorry for my English😅

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    1. Your English is beautiful! Actually, I was just thinking, before I got to the end of your message, how good your English is, when I read that you are from Algeria. You must have studied hard! And thank you for your generosity in answering my questions — God has given me a very curious nature, so I love learning new things. (My reply took longer this time because yesterday I dedicated the whole day to spending with Jesus. This is my favorite thing to do in all of my life!) Sending you lots and lots of love and blessings for your day whenever you read this. I just found out from Google that you are six hours later than us here in Peru 🙂 Smiling about the sand and camels. So cool!

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      1. You have a beautiful soul Jennifer ❤ thanks for your reply, doesn’t matter if it is late, as much as you are fine then, that is the most important thing😊 it is really good to hear (or should I say “read”) that you spent time praying and feeling peaceful,
        I have a BA degree in English but feel ashame because I feel I lost the language, you need to practice it always so you don’t end up with three or four words to use in your conversation lol, and Yes we are ahead of you, I wasn’t sure where you live exactly but was expecting 7 hours time difference😊
        Jennifer, do you believe that everything happens for a reason? I will tell you something that happened to me while I was thinking about you, I was waiting your comment and thought you might be from USA and that your sincere faith in the Lord and Jesus are “heartwarming” … During this time I entered my room I let the Tv on playing Quran( it’s a Quran Channel) and guess what it was the Mary Chapter exactly the verse where Gabriel ( The Holly Spirit) peace on him came to Mary to give her the Word of Allah ( The Lord) that she will carry Issa (Jesus) and that he will be a Mercy for people, Mary then, was surprised,shocked how can she be pregnant when no one has toutched her, you know what was his reply :[ “It Is EASY to me”]
        Issa Jesus was a Miracle of the Lord
        I cried hearing this verse ..and thought I have to share it with you Jennifer ..it is your sign from Allah❤ your heart is pure🌷

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      2. Wow, Nassima, that is very special! I most definitely believe that happened for a purpose. God is uniting our hearts together. Holy Spirit is at work in a beautiful way. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

        Sending you a hug, grateful for the new friendship God has given us. You are a beautiful person too! ❤

        (And definitely, please don't be ashamed of your English, it's so much better than you think! And now you can practice with me too 😉 )

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      3. ❤❤❤Sending you a hug back Jennifer, you are so kind and I like that you are eager to learn because at the end that is the advantage of being a Person, a man (mankind ) created with a brain, to think to ask questions and find the answers, and our brains are definitely related to our Hearts ❤ so keep on learning new things and may Allah guide us to the right path always..I might fall asleep anytime now lol it’s 1:03 am here oops ! Take care my dear ❤I’m glad I came accross such beautiful soul like yours⭐ sweet dreams and a lot of blessings

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  10. For you Jennifer, I dedicate these verses of Mary Chapter from the Quran :

    ( 12 )   [Allah] said, “O John, take the Scripture with determination.” And We gave him judgement [while yet] a boy

    ( 13 )   And affection from Us and purity, and he was fearing of Allah

    ( 14 )   And dutiful to his parents, and he was not a disobedient tyrant.

    ( 15 )   And peace be upon him the day he was born and the day he dies and the day he is raised alive.

    ( 16 )   And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east.

    ( 17 )   And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man.

    ( 18 )   She said, “Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah.”

    ( 19 )   He said, “I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.”

    ( 20 )   She said, “How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?”

    ( 21 )   He said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.’ ”

    ( 22 )   So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place.

    ( 23 )   And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, “Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten.”

    ( 24 )   But he called her from below her, “Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream.

    ( 26 )   So eat and drink and be contented. And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, ‘Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.’ ”

    ( 27 )   Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, “O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented.

    ( 28 )   O sister of Aaron, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste.”

    ( 29 )   So she pointed to him. They said, “How can we speak to one who is in the cradle a child?”

    ( 30 )   [Jesus] said, “Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.

    ( 31 )   And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive

    ( 32 )   And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant.

    ( 33 )   And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.”

    ( 34 )   That is Jesus, the son of Mary – the word of truth about which they are in dispute.

    ( 35 )   It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.

    ( 36 )   [Jesus said], “And indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.”

    ( 37 )   Then the factions differed [concerning Jesus] from among them, so woe to those who disbelieved – from the scene of a tremendous Day.
    ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
    Peace be upon Mary, Jesus and all the beloved Messengers and prophets🌷
    Take care Jennifer and sweet sweet dreams 💖💌

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    1. I do find it intriguing that the Quran speaks of Mary and Jesus! I read it, and am enjoying getting to know more about your world and what you treasure. I would love to share with you too what the Bible narrates concerning this story:

      Luke 1:26-38
      Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

      29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

      34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

      35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

      38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
      NKJV

      You have wonderfully sweet dreams too, dear, full of peace and comfort! ❤ ❤

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      1. Peace on you Jennifer 😊 I am thrilled that you share with me the same precious story of Mary and Jesus peace be upon them both, I do have many questions concerning the Bible and these verses and it will be really appreciated if you could answer me😊 First question: What does Luke mean? Also I suppose that the Bible is about the Words of the Lord that he revealed to Jesus and the message sent by our Lord God through Jesus? This means anything that Jesus “said” , ( can you also please study deeply the verses 36-37❤ It would be wonderful if you could answer my questions Jennifer🌷 Peace on you tender heart💖😊☀

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      2. Good evening my dear friend! May His peace and presence be with you powerfully tonight. And I am delighted to answer your questions! The Bible is exceedingly precious to me, and I love talking about it 😊. Thank you for giving me this space to share it with you; I value that so much!

        Luke is the name of one of the Apostle Paul’s companions. The Holy Spirit spoke through him to write down the events of Jesus’ life. This is true of the whole Bible: the Holy Spirit of Jesus moved through many different men to write its 66 books. Each book reveals a different part of God’s message, but the central message running in unity throughout is that Jesus is the Son of God, equal with God, sent to die on the cross for our sins, to rise again, to be our Savior, and to give us eternal life through faith in Him.

        Here is a beautiful passage that explains the origins of Scripture: “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
        ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:20-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
        https://www.bible.com/111/2pe.1.20-21.niv

        And I love that you were blessed by verses 36-37! I actually wrote a whole post on the that part of the story specifically, not long ago. Here is the link, if you would like to check it out: https://feedingonjesus.com/2018/12/13/the-rhema-thats-producing-promise-inside-of-you/

        Grace and peace to you, dear Nassima! May His love fill your heart tonight

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