I’m joining today with the Five Minute Friday community of writers who write for 5 minutes about a one word prompt.

Today’s writing prompt: QUIET

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 

1 Kings 19:11-13

This is the kind of interaction that makes me love Jesus so much. 

Elijah, weary and afraid for his life, hiding in a cave. 

God, still the Almighty, powerful God, beckons Elijah to come out of hiding with a gentle whisper of His voice. 

With the passing by of His presence. 

Can you imagine being Elijah? Being asked by the Maker of Heaven and Earth what exactly you’re doing in a damp, dark cave.

It wasn’t the fire, the earthquake or the way the mountains shook and cracked in two that drew Elijah out. 

It was the quiet voice of God. 

Life can feel heavy, overwhelming, tumultuous and just plain exhausting. 

It can leave you feeling worn, torn and washed out. 

It can be loud, disconcerting, and hard to know which way is up when you feel like you’re always looking down. 

At least, this is how I’ve felt these past few weeks. 

Alone in a loud world, emptied by the noise. 

But, then, Jesus. 

He passes by, I catch the scent of His presence all hints of lavender and vanilla. 

I drink in the aroma and I am drunk on the love radiating from Him as I hear that quiet voice, that gentle invitation,

What is it that I can do for you? 

His hand stretches out and the silence that follows fills the emptiness inside my soul that the noise dug out. 

For a moment, I am safe. 

I am seen.

I am heard. 

I am wrapped in peace. 

There isn’t a love stronger than this one. 

At the sound of His voice, I move toward Him, out of my own little cave built by years of shame shaped wounds. 

All at once, I remember Whose I am and Who it is that holds me now and I breathe in that intoxicating aroma of lavender, vanilla, and freedom and I sigh heavy with sweet relief. 

Abba Father, I belong to you. 

It all started with a voice. 

A quiet, gentle whisper.