Finding God in the Gentle Whisper

My weekly treks at the Nature Center are one of life’s greatest blessings to me. It is where I feel God’s presence the most and where I am free from household or workplace duties that are calling my name.

It is in the stillness — the ripple of the streams, the birds’ chatter, the breeze rustling through the leaves — that my soul is calmed. It’s where my mind clears, and I become more in tune with God’s Holy Spirit.

It reminds me of the story in 1 Kings 19:11–13 where the prophet Elijah waited for God's Presence. There was a powerful wind that tore through the mountains, then an earthquake, and after that a fire—but the Lord was not in any of those.

“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" (1 Kings 19:12–13).

That’s when Elijah heard God’s voice — in the whisper.

Last month in my Woman’s Quest group, I was challenged to set three goals — things I could be intentional about that would enable me to draw closer to God, to know Him, and to better understand His will for my life. One goal I set was to make my way to the Nature Center at least once a week, tablet and pen in hand, and simply… listen.

I begin each hike with a prayer, asking God to join me and do all the talking. I don’t want to ask Him for anything. I don’t want to complain to Him about anyone. I just want to hear His voice — and when I sense a Word from Him, I write it down.

Last weekend was just gorgeous! The temperature had dropped into the high 70s with low humidity, the sun was brilliant, and the sky was crystal blue — the perfect day to go and hear from God. But just as the stillness began to calm my run-away mind, the quiet was quickly broken.

As I approached a fork in the trail, preparing to veer right, three women were coming from the left. They were very jolly — and, may I say, loud! They laughed and talked as if they were at a brunch buffet with bottomless mimosas, completely oblivious to the calm serenity of their surroundings — making even the chipmunks take cover. (I jest, of course.)

I love joyful people. I support laughter. But between us? I was annoyed.

I wanted my time with God. I wanted to hear from Him — not them! So, I picked up my pace and silently prayed they’d turn down the trail I had just come from. But, of course, they didn’t.

They took the same trail I had chosen and continued whooping and hollering, undoing all my recently gained peace. As I walked faster to create distance, I wondered, When Jesus needed time alone, did He ever have to outrun the “chatty Cathys”?

These Bible verses tell us that Jesus modeled dependence on the Father by seeking solitude:

• “But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray” (Luke 5:16).

• “After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone" (Matthew 14:23)

Even though His access to the Father was constant, Jesus still removed Himself from noise and distractions. That tells us He made space for God intentionally — not expecting the world around Him to simply quiet down.

It made me wonder: while on earth, did Jesus have special access to God? If He wanted a secluded place, would God just create one for Him?

The Bible gives me the answer. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the veil was torn,

symbolizing my direct access to God — the same as Jesus had! This same access you have.

“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom" (Matthew

27:51). It was God’s way of showing nothing stood between Him and us anymore.

And here’s the incredible invitation that follows: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

That means you and I have the same unhindered connection to the Father that Jesus

demonstrated. But like Him, we still live in a noisy, distracting world — and while God

absolutely can create quiet, He often calls us to seek it out.

King David reminds us of God's call in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

The more I studied, the more I realized that while here on earth, Jesus’ access to God wasn’t different from mine in closeness. The difference was His perfect focus.

Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise” (John 5:19).

The good news is that, in Christ, you and I are just as welcome, just as heard, and just as loved. When you ask God for quiet, He may provide it — or He may teach you to find Him even in the noise.

God is there, even when there are “chatty Cathys” around. Unlike me, Jesus didn’t try to outrun them. Instead, He welcomed interruptions, stopping to heal and care for those in need along His way.

So yes, He is in the silence. But He is also in the sound.

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

How can you make intentional time to hear from God? Here are a few simple ideas to consider:

• Try setting your alarm just 10 minutes earlier, before anyone else is awake, to have that quiet time alone with Him.

• Take a short evening walk and share your day with Him.

• If your house is noisy, lift up your voice in praise — He will meet you there, too.

God knows the season of life you’re in and understands your limits. But don’t let busyness or the lack of a perfectly quiet space keep you from Him. He promises to meet you right where you are—whether in the stillness or even in the middle of the noise.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank You for being present and accessible in every season of life—both in the noisy, busy days and in the slower, quieter ones. Thank You for reminding me that I can meet You not only in the silence, but even in the sound. Most of all, thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins and rise again, so that I may have full and equal access to You and the abundant life You promise. In Jesus' name, Amen.

ABOUT AMY MCKAMEY

Amy McKamey is a redeemed daughter of God through Jesus Christ who has experienced the life-changing freedom that comes from obeying the Holy Spirit’s promptings. A joyful mother of four, stepmother to three, and grandmother to eight, Amy brings a heart full of compassion and hard-won wisdom to her ministry. Life’s challenges—both self-inflicted and circumstantial—have repeatedly brought her to her knees, but God’s mercy and grace have lifted her up every time. After walking through the Boldly Shine program twice, first alone and then with her husband, Amy came face-to-face with the deep roadblocks holding her back and began a powerful journey toward renewed peace and joy. Now a certified leader in post-abortive women’s recovery, Amy is passionate about walking alongside others in pain, helping them break free from the shame and secrecy of past wounds to live in the freedom of God’s truth.

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