Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. — 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12

The Problem with Loudness

Our society is synonymous with loudness. People’s lives are constantly broadcasted via social media and we are instructed to compare ourselves to fake versions of what internet celebrities post online. This vision for the world is the antithesis of what God envisions for us. Not only does it harm our relationships with other people, but it also makes it incredibly difficult for us to hear and be in tune with God.

In 1 Kings the prophet Elijah had just defeated the 400 prophets of Baal, where he had witnessed the power of God manifested in an awesome pillar of fire. Even so, after this, Elijah runs away because he fears for his life. It’s here where God finds him.

And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.— 1 Kings 19:11–13 

This passage is especially powerful because of what Elijah had just went through. Where 1 Kings 18 showed the power of God in the miraculous and the spectacular, here God is displayed in the quiet moments. He wasn’t in the strong wind, nor the earthquake, nor the fire. He didn’t act in any traditional way that Elijah had come to expect. Instead he spoke to Elijah in a low whisper. And what happened next is equally important.

Elijah heard the voice, and he responded.

The problem with living a super busy and loud life, where we don’t have time to slow down and be present, is that we can miss the quiet voice of God.

Joy in the Quiet

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. — Colossians 3:2

How do we live a quiet life?

By being focused on the things of God. Our world is so hyper-focused on the now that we never even think about eternal things. Therefore, taking the time to pray, time to be alone with God and just be, are some of the most helpful things we can do as Christians.

Surround yourself with people who will remind you of eternal things, who will make sure that you don’t forget what actually matters in the world.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. — Philippians 4:8

Keep your mind pure, as that’s the major battleground where spiritual forces wage war against us. If you feel like you’ve been living a loud, busy life, take a second where you are to breathe, and then just listen.

If you can, go outside, enjoy God’s creation. Pray to Him, but also spend some time in quiet reflection, so that you can hear God’s response to you.

Our God works in the fire and the spectacular, but also in the quiet, intimate moments that go undocumented in history. So spend some quiet time with God today.

You might just be able to hear Him in the quiet.