Less Than A Whisper

We have worshiped and talked to God in all manners of ways down through the thousands of years of knowing him. Some, like Trappist Monks, do it with a vow of silence. Some do it in contemplative prayer. Still others do it through song, dance, and words. However we choose to do it, the bottom line is the same: we are worshiping and talking to the creator of all things, including those who were created in his image and likeness.

In that same span on time, God has talked to us, communicating in a variety of different ways and through a wide number of people he has picked out to be his messengers. You would think that God would pick out the high-born, the best educated, to bring his words and wishes to his best creation. Even a brief review of the bible shows this is not true. True, some were. Moses, for instance, was raised as a prince and given an education designed to help him be a leader among the Egyptian people. God made sure he was in the right place, with the right training, to lead the people out of Egypt, through the desert for 40 years, and up to the edge of the promise land.

Then there was this sheep rancher who had seven sons. The youngest used to sit up in the hills with the sheep and write songs and poems to God. Eventually, he rose from humbleness to greatness and the things he wrote were collected in the book we call Psalms.

There aren't too many equivalents to Moses and David these days. God does still talk to us as individuals and all of us who believe in him talk to him. Sometimes when someone listens, it becomes life changing. Perhaps someone changes from substance abuse to something else. Maybe someone else leaves one way of life behind and goes on to do some other occupation or vocation. Whatever it is, sometimes we listen to God and, even if it doesn't make sense at the time, we move on to the direction he needs us to go to serve him better. We don't always do that when he calls and then it becomes a contest of who has the most patience or stubbornness. I'll give you the word on that right now: he does.

The bible tells us that God doesn't come looking for us with marching bands and loudspeakers, but in the quietest of times. He may talk to us directly or he may use someone else to carry the message to us. He may just create a situation to tell us to stop our rapid rush through life and enjoy a quiet moment, such as a beautiful sunset. He has all sorts of ways, even to sounds in our minds that are quieter than a whisper.

Have you taken the time to listen for him today? Do you keep hearing a thought that doesn't really belong to you, over and over like a song that won't leave you alone? Maybe it is just God trying to get your attention to do something he needs you to do. What do you think the result will be if you just stop for a moment and ...