Sabbath: Hearing the Gentle Voice of God
Why does God seem to speak so softly in a world that is desperate to hear a thundering voice? In the isolated confines of a cave, Elijah experienced God's presence not in dramatic winds or raging fires, but in a gentle whisper. Sabbath calls us to set aside a sanctuary in time where we can hear the still small voice of God.
Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:9-13
This is Week 7 of our series on Sabbath
Respond together:
What do you think of the idea that Sabbath is a “sanctuary in time” How often do I create spaces of stillness? Could the absence of these ‘sanctuaries in time’ be drowning out God's voice in my life?
Walter Brueggemann sees the question to Elijah as one that shows YHWH’s life and Elijah’s life are “inextricably linked.” How do you see your personal story weaving into the tapestry of God's overarching story?"
When the beliefs deep in your soul seem to clash with the unexpected, how do you remind yourself of God's unchanging presence, just as He was with Elijah? What are tangible practices that help anchor yourself in the promise that you're never truly alone?"
What are the rivals to God’s voice in my story? What are the "earthquakes," "winds," and "fires" in my life that drown out God's whisper?
Our songs together:
Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me - CityAlight
God with Us - All Sons and Daughters
Nothing I Hold Onto - United Pursuit Band