The Small Voice of God

“Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide.” Genesis 24:63

In the Old Testament, there are three different words that are rendered as meditating. Two of the three words are understood to murmur (in pleasure or anger) or to ponder or imagine. The Hebrew word used for meditating in this verse is used one time and is understood as one who is reflecting deep or serious thought.

Isaac, after a long day’s work, slipped out of his camp into a field as the light of the setting sun was fleeing into the darkness of night. Isaac had a lot to think about. His aging father and his coming future. He was not only becoming the patriarch of his clan but the possessor of the promise God had made with Abraham, his father.

For God’s promise to come to pass Isaac needed two things to happen; one a wife and two, children. Isaac’s first need was soon to be fulfilled. Abraham had sent his trusted servant Eliezer on a mission:

“But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.” (Gen 24:4)

I am sure Isaac spent many evenings having deep, serious thoughts as he reflected on who and when this woman, who would be his wife, would arrive. Isaac did not send Eliezer. Abraham did and now Isaac must “meditate” on the outcome of his life.

We, like Isaac, often find others who have cast our future and we do not have control over the outcome. It may be a job interview or downsizing of a company that someone makes life choices for you that are out of your control.

Broken relationships are seldom a joint decision. Someone walks away and the one who is left behind did not decide to end the relationship but it is ended just the same. Wives and husbands are left trying to not only understand why it happened but must also determine their future alone.

The death of a loved one is never a choice we make. God alone holds the power over life and death and yet we must try to adjust and understand the new direction life has taken us. It is obvious that many important events in your life are created by others, including God, and not yourself. The question we must answer is not what has brought this change in your life but how do you respond and adjust your life in response to this change?

Like Isaac, we need to walk away from the “camp” and find a place we can allow God to address our concerns. You are living in a world where there are very few places that you can go to “meditate” and not be disturbed by life. Isaac went to the field “at the eventide” when the workers would be home in their camp and there he found solitude. 

For you to have a place to seek God’s understanding of what He is working out in your life you must be able to hear Him. Seldom does God put up posters or sends direct messages. He speaks to us with the softness of His spirit.

The Prophet Elijah struggled to understand what his future was after he had slain the prophets of Baal. Elijah had found a place where he could seek God’s answers, “He came thither unto a cave, and lodged there.” It was in the place of solitude that “the word of the LORD came to him.” (1Ki 19:9)

It was in this place and in this time Elijah was not only able to experience God’s presence but to have a great truth revealed to him. Elijah had poured out his heart before God and He answered:

“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” (1 Ki 19:11-12)

“When Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?” (1Ki 19:13)

It was the “solitude” Elijah had found that allowed the “still small voice” to bring him understanding, comfort and hope.

Are you confused, concerned or even depressed about your life and the events others are making for you? If so, find that place outside your “camp” and “meditate” on God’s purpose in what is taking place in your life. Listen for that “still small voice” and God will speak to you wisdom, comfort and peace.