“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.”
– 1 Kings 19:11-12
There are so many people hungry to hear the voice of God, desperate for something to bring understanding to their situations. Unfortunately all they hear is the tormenting self-hatred and condemning thoughts that send them into fear and paralysis. Why can’t God speak up and silence these negative thoughts?
It is out of His mercy on us that God speaks in a still, small voice.
First of all, God is looking for people to love Him. Satan is looking for people to obey him. That is one reason their tactics are different (among many other reasons). Since the devil is doing whatever he can to get obedience, he will yell and scream to get your attention. He will make his thoughts so loud that they fell like your own. He is wanting to discourage you and lead you into despair.
On the other hand, God’s main goal is love. He wants to get you to press into Him, seek Him out. God respects your will. Therefore He is not trying to force you to do anything. He is not anti-obedience, but He wants you to choose to obey. His words give life, hope, peace, and joy.
Secondly, God knows you will be responsible for what you hear. The more you get to know God, the more you are accountable for what you know. God’s voice guides you into the abundant life, but to not obey the voice can lead you into sin that could cut off future communication. One of the main reasons for God’s silence is a failure to obey what He last told you. He knows as you have to press in to hear Him speak, you will more likely want to follow what He says.
God’s quietness does not mean He does not want to speak
Don’t let your circumstances dictate what you believe about God. Keep pressing into Him because He delights and rewards it (James 4:8 and Hebrews 11:6). God enjoys you and wants to spend time with you. Delight yourself in Him.
For more on this topic, these three authors have expounded more on the whisper of God: 1. Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God by Mark Batterson, 2. When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado, and 3. The World Is Noisy - God Whispers by Julia Monnin.