Can it get any louder?

      For the past few months I've been "hearing" and doing what yells the loudest.  The results can be stressful and tiresome, like on a treadmill walking or running - going no where.   So this morning, in the early hours that I cannot sleep, I thought I would write.  The house is quiet.  However outside, the thunder sounds its deep, crashing voice while lightning dances around it.  It has my attention as it heralds in the pounding rain.  In between the intermittent sounds, I hear quiet, almost a "silence".  

      I love times like this away from clamoring where I can just stop and refresh.  I had been reading about Elijah where he ran to the cave to hide.  He hid for his life, he was exhausted and he was tired.  Sound familiar?  This probably wasn't a very comfortable place to hide, darkness, bats, animal poop, snakes, the dreaded spider, scorpions..(ew!) Where we hide may not be much better, but I love what God says, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" This says two things to me, God always knows where we are and the condition we are in and because God called Elijah by name, what/who else was in the cave that would have answered the Almighty God of the Universe!

       I love these next verses - Behold, the Lord passed by!  There were great/strong winds that tore mountains and rocks, then a horrible earthquake, then a fire, but God was not in any of these attention getting, fearful occurances.  Let's face it, God is Spectacular and he can DO the spectacular, but at this time God reveals Himself in quietness, a low whisper.   Elijah heard it, then went out and stood at the entrance where God gave him instruction and encouragement.

      These past few weeks and months have not been God doing the spectacular, it has been my allowing the noise to take precedence of my attention.  But at this time, in the early morning hours, the storm is over and the birds are heralding another day, I think I will go out, stand and meet the only One who knows I need His quietness, strength and encouragement.

      So, if you will excuse me....thank you for reading my thoughts turned into words.  Have a good morning and a blessed day.