Scripture

1 Kings 19:11-13 NLT

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

Consider

In looking ahead to the new year, our church congregation is praying for God’s guidance through a key vision question: How does God want to express himself through our church in our community at this time?

A slight rephrasing of this question provides an excellent prompt for our personal devotions as well: How does God want to express himself through me in the spaces I inhabit at this particular time?

As followers of Jesus, we long to hear God’s voice and to witness God’s rule in the world around us. The beginning of a new calendar year is a good time to ask ourselves how we can best wait on the Lord, to listen for his voice and watch for his movements, so that we can be ready and available for his good purposes.

Reflecting on our daily lives, we might look for ways to refocus our spiritual attention and listen for that gentle whisper of God calling us into service with Him. The following list suggests areas of our lives where we might ask the question: How might God be speaking to me right now, at this particular time?

In my prayer life: What does God want to teach me about Himself in our quiet times together? What could I learn if I focus less on expressing myself to God and listen more for God’s voice speaking to me?

In my family and friendships: How do I see God working in the life of each family member and personal friend? How might God use my unique experience and knowledge of each person to discern their needs for grace and patience and love, and then use me to offer these gifts as he equips me?

In my work and community: How has God positioned me—whether by age, geography, occupation, ethnicity, religion, gender, artistic interest, etc.—within a unique orbit of coworkers, neighbors, and associations? At this particular time and place in my life, how is God urging me to be a light for Him with people whose darkness and pain may be hidden from me? How might God want me to speak about my hope in Jesus?

In our nation: How might God want to speak into our current political, moral, and cultural debates? What principles might God urge me to consider as I decide how to vote for political candidates or discuss important issues?

In facing a personal hardship: How might God use a difficult circumstance to teach me more about who he is and what his promises mean? What noble quality might God be refining in me through this hardship?

In times of weakness: What might God want to teach me when I feel weak and ineffectual? What can I learn and receive from God in this weakness that I cannot when I feel strong and personally powerful?

It’s not a bad idea to keep a journal handy so you can jot down what that gentle whisper says to you. God has wonderful plans for you in the coming year. May your heart be ready to receive and your spirit willing to act on them.

Pray

Lord, you are light and truth. Shine through me this year into the lives of the people around me. Fine tune my spiritual ears to hear your voice amid the clanging and chaos of my noisy life. Show me where your Spirit is working and let me join you in doing the good work of your kingdom.

Reflect

Isaiah 55:6; Jeremiah 29:11-13

Ponder

What new practice might help me listen more intently for the Lord’s voice?