Do you long to hear God speaking to you? Do you think that’s impossible in your busy schedule?

I’ve learned to recognize when God is speaking to me. I hear God most often when I am quiet and still. It’s difficult to find that space in our fast-paced lives, but when you hear God whisper sweet truth to you, I promise it’s worth the effort.

God’s voice is quiet, gentle and encouraging. He will speak peace into your soul, if you know how to listen.

Hear God’s Gentle Whisper

Several years ago, I encountered the Christian classic Ordering Your Private World. This book is one of the most transformative Christian self-help books I’ve ever encountered. It’s now available in an updated version, which is crucial for our current times.

Author Gordon MacDonald eloquently speaks about the importance of crafting a quiet routine for spiritual development. In our fast-paced times, this is such a counter-cultural message that many will speed right past it. Yet it is one of the most vital messages we can receive today.

The reason for its importance? Because God speaks in a still, small voice to us most often.

God gives us individualized messages for our hearts during quiet times in His Word. He also speaks to us in those quiet times when everything else lulls—such as right before bed, when we awake due to insomnia, and even during our immersive chores. If we choose to listen, we will hear him speak love, peace, joy, and comfort to our hearts, as well as gentle correction. We cannot be truly close to God without cultivating quiet times in our schedules.

This passage in 1 Kings is a powerful example of how God speaks. The prophet Elijah had fled to a cave on the side of Mount Horeb in fear for his life. God addressed Elijah on the mountain. He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” 1 Kings 19:11 NIV

God first sent a violent wind, then an earthquake, then a fire. The Bible says God was not in these natural disasters. But “after the fire came a gentle whisper.” (vs. 12) Elijah heard it and went out to speak with God, who gave him direction.
God could have shouted to Elijah in the noisy wind.
God could have boomed his truths to Elijah during the earthquake.
God could have blazed a golden word for Elijah in the fire.
But God chose to speak to Elijah in the gentle whisper.

When did you last hear God’s gentle whisper to your heart?

Is it possible that you’ve been too busy to hear it?

Friend, I’m no different from you. I get over-involved in work, activity, responsibility, and entertainment. I sign up for too much and then complain about being too busy. Even my morning quiet time can sometimes feel like an item to check off a list.

But the times I hear God’s gentle whisper are worth the “sacrifice.”

On Sunday night, I walked on the treadmill while reading Ordering Your Private World on my Kindle. I felt guilty about not spending time with my family, about not cooking the chicken that had languished in the refrigerator for days, about not prepping more for tomorrow. But I chose exercise and reading to the exclusion of everything else, and the only noise was the sound of my feet pounding the belt.

That’s when I heard God’s gentle whisper. He corrected me, comforted me, and provided me new direction. God’s voice is so quiet, yet it holds more clarity, security, and peace than any other voice I hear.

Here’s a quote from the book to consider:
“It is hard at first to concentrate our thoughts and to bring them into the presence of the Lord. We have to quietly relax for a short season while the mind accustoms itself to spiritual activity in the ‘garden’ environment. Thus, it will take time—time some people are reluctant to give.”

Are you willing to enter the private garden of your heart with God? Are you willing to set aside some time every day, just for the two of you?

I encourage you to do so, friend. You are certain to find greater peace if you cultivate a quiet schedule that allows you to hear God’s gentle whisper.

This post originally appeared on Woman 2 Woman Ministries.

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