Hear Him in small and simple ways

The prophet Elijah’s experience in the Old Testament teaches us a great lesson about how to hear God’s voice:

"And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake 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 a still small voice" (1 Kings 19: 11–12).

Our human tendency is to look for the dramatic and obvious—after all, wouldn’t we all love a “sign” from heaven? But in His infinite wisdom, God encourages us to “be still, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10). These simple thoughts, feelings, ideas, and impressions are the gentle whisperings of a loving Heavenly Father.