Monday, July 7, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Hebrews 1

God is the devouring fire (Hebrews 12:29). He’s also the Spirit (John 4:24), love (1 John 4:8), and a whisper. From his dramatic displays of power to the quieter ones, we must learn to recognize him in all of our moments.

When Elijah only heard the noise of his fears, God responded with a gentle whisper.

1 Kings 19:11-12
“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…. 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.

I once heard that when God created what was good, the possibility of evil was simultaneously created. It was man who took the possibility of evil and made it a reality in our lives. The reality of the world we’ve fashioned, one that offers loud and often evil “noises,” can make us yearn for the voice of our heavenly Father. Oh, how powerful his whispers are in the midst of chaos!

Learning to recognize God’s voice develops as we prioritize time with him (Psalm 86:11). Over time, as my maturity of heart, spirit, and soul increased in relationship with him, I learned to recognize the difference between the noises of this world and God’s voice. Like many of us, it’s easier to hear in the joyful and praiseworthy moments, but eventually, I could recognize him in the storms, too.

Now, when I face challenges, I don't feel the pain I used to - I no longer hurt without hope. I know in those moments I can hear him if I expectantly listen. In the silence, he tells us he loves us and always will. It is in these powerful and sacred silent moments with God that we find ourselves no longer lost, but safely immersed in the midst of his content and character.

God never moves - we do. He remains right there with us in the muck and the mire. He is the gentle whisper in the chaos ... the calm, patiently waiting for us to notice. And when we do, we discover he’s been near all along - quietly inviting us to trust, listen for him, and follow his lead.

Questions:
If you are currently facing a challenge, do you recognize the presence of God in the midst of it?

In the silent moments, can you hear his whispers? What is he saying to you? Does it coincide with his Word?

Next Steps:
Set aside time every day this month to solely study God’s character through his Word so you can recognize God’s truth while living in the midst of the lies and evil of this world.

Prayer:
Father God, you are goodness and justice. All glory, honor, and praise go to you. You are the only King and Lord over my life. You are my Creator and my Abba. Holy is your name. I love you above all and everyone else. You are righteous, my sanctifier, my healer, my victor, my shepherd, my peace, my joy, and my provider. Through your gifts, I am never wanting for anything. I give you all of me to use for your purpose today and every day. Please help me to recognize you in the midst of the brokenness and in the sacred silent moments when you whisper your loving words to me. Help me to know and understand your character. Help me to listen carefully to what you are saying. Speak peace into my life and give me wisdom so I can apply what you teach me every day, obeying and trusting you in all things and under all circumstances. I pray in your Son’s most holy name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 85:8
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.

This post was written by Linda Repka, a Whitehouse attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.