Where are you, God?


If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment. –Henry David Thoreau


There he stood, hood up over his head, cloak pulled tightly around him. He had laughed at lesser gods, taunted and murdered the prophets and really, really ticked off the queen. 

He was running for his life, sleeping in a cave, shivering in fear.

The prophet Elijah had never felt so alone in his life. The few he loved, he had to leave behind in his mad flee to safety.

Elijah was too terrified even to realize there were angels of the LORD caring for him, providing him rest and sustenance. Elijah prayed to the LORD to die, to join his ancestors. At least then he wouldn't be alone.

But now Elijah is waiting. How will the LORD arrive? With a fanfare of angels and trumpets? In fire and glory? A demonstration of might and power?

Not at all.

As Elijah waited, there was fire and wind and earthquake-- but the Lord was not in any of those things.

When Elijah's heart grew still, he heard it: a whisper asking a simple question: What are you doing here, Elijah? 

The LORD's presence and comfort come not from the world around us, but from within. And we are never as alone as we might feel at any moment.

Stop. Look. Listen with the ears of your heart.


Monday We say it all the time: I could hardly believe my eyes! Today, look deeply around you, and really see. Isaiah 9:1

Tuesday Tuesday can be the forgotten day of the week, the neglected one. Do something today that’s unusual or unexpected. Enjoy! Psalm 27:1

Wednesday As we hit the midweek “hump,” pause. Look around. What have you accomplished this week that makes you feel good? Psalm 27:4-9

Thursday Take another midweek pause and look ahead. Have you scheduled in break time? Time for rejuvenation and prayer?  Isaiah 9:2-4

Friday It’s a whole month into the new year already! Pause today and give thanks for the journey so far. 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, reflect on the month just past. Offer to the Lord any things you’re less than proud of. Feel God’s grace and mercy. Matthew 4:12-17

Sunday Is Sunday a day you look forward to? Why? What can you do to improve your spiritual journey with Jesus and with others? What’s keeping you from doing such things? Matthew 4:18-23

All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone. –Blaise Pascal

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