Whispers

My life has been tumultuous for the past couple of months. Recently I was experiencing a very difficult day. I was greatly missing my mom, trying to be encouraging to my dad and dealing with concern for my son. As I lay sobbing I could hear God whisper, “I am here”. I cannot express in words how much peace this gives. I spent a great deal of time thinking about how God communicates. One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is when God told Elijah to go out and wait for Him to pass by. 1 Kings 19: 11-13 states: “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.” God was in the whisper, not the difficult situations. What is not said in this passage is the cause of the wind, earthquake or fire. I believe these types of things are distractions from the enemy. They are intended to keep us from listening to God’s whisper. A few days ago I heard a song which I’ve heard on the radio several times, but had never listed to the words closely. The song is called “Praise You In This Storm” by Casting Crowns. The words are below. The song so completely moved me that I knew it was a reminder from God. I am so grateful that when I turn to Jesus during difficult times he WILL be with me.

Praise You In This Storm
By Casting Crowns

I was sure by now God you would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
that it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear your whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
that you are who you are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
you hold in your hand
you never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
you heard my cry you raised me up again
my strength is almost gone
how can I carry on
if I can't find you
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth