Can You Hear Me Now?

From 1 Kings 19:
11 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. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 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?”

I love the stories about Elijah.  If you have time go back and read Chapter 18 all the way through today's reading.  Talk about an emotional roller coaster!  Elijah went from his "mountaintop" experience to the pits of depression. 

How can we relate this story to the advent season? 

Many times as the Christmas season gets in full swing we feel the exhilaration of the frenzy as we get caught up in all the whirlwind of activities.  Then, all too often, on Christmas Day we feel a tremendous let down.
It's not that the activities themselves are bad.  But, much like Elijah we can't hear God speaking to us in the midst of all these noisy and busy activities and we can lose the sense of His presence. 

Just as God had a plan and a remedy for Elijah's "emptiness", He also has one for us.  Psalm 46:1-2 says:
"1 God is our refuge and strength,  an ever-present help in trouble.  2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, " 

Like Elijah, we will find peace and encouragement in our own "whirlwinds" when we follow the advice in Psalm 46: 10 to "Be still and know that I am God."  We have to purposely get still and quiet and listen for God's voice during this busy season.  Then, we can enjoy the "hubbub" and the Prince of Peace!

Prayer:  Father please help us to keep our focus on You during this hectic season.