Volume Control

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 93: Today, I am grateful for volume control. 

Sometimes the world seems loud and overwhelming.  The voices from the radio, neighborhood noises, buildings and roads in progress.  Sometimes the noise presses in from all sides.  Is it any wonder that we long for the beach, the woods or the mountain tops...and even a well insulated library! 


There are times I leave the car radio at "cruising volume" and it is a loud surprise when we get in for the next ride. Sometimes, I leave the radio off and pray. Other times...I sing at the top of my lungs...with my head is bobbing to the rhythm...probably much to the entertainment of passersby. Volume control is powerful.

I love the story of Elijah as he waited for God on the mountain in 1 Kings 19. Here is a snapshot synopsis.

Elijah was on the run from Jezebel (and Ahab). The Queen really wanted him dead. At that point, Elijah was tired.  He had defeated the prophets of her precious Baal.  He had, with God's power, controlled the rain. He had embarrassed the crown and her personally.  The King and Queen were out to get him for his insolence.  He was merely trying to speak God's truth and get the people back on track...but they loved their idols and worldly things. 

Elijah had prayed that God would take him. He was done with Israel. They had broken him down and he was exhausted with what seemed like a losing battle.  The "volume" of his life was blaring loud and he was felt it crashing in...so he fled to the wilderness.  

"And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again."-1 Kings 19:5-3

Now, my friends, this is a passage to savor!  At his lowest point...God provides him with the necessary water for life...and CAKE!  Yes, cake!  

Now, I have read many scriptures where bread is mentioned. It does not say bread...which is what I expected as I read this passage this morning.  Cake!   God is good, right?  Now, I prefer pie or cookies...or maybe it was my favorite... cheesecake.  I don't know, as the Word is not clear...but I am sure it hit the spot with Elijah.  

What a great prescription for restoration. Talk to God, rest, drink, and eat a sweet treat. Then...Elijah was ready to make the 40 day journey to Horeb, the the mountain of God.When he arrived...I am not sure what he expected. But, his lesson in "volume control" continued.  

He had learned so much to that point...but his lesson wasn't over.  He was one the mountain of God.  What did he expect?  A booming commanding voice? A huge, hollered "hello"?

"And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke 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 the sound of a low whisper."  -1 Kings 19:11-12

God always seems to do the unexpected!  He was not in the ripping winds...or the avalanche created. He was not in the rumbling quake of the earth.  He was not in the fire.  He was in the still, small whisper.  How beautiful! 

Elijah gives us a great lesson in "volume control". Retreat is not running away when it is a recharge for the body, mind and soul.  Cake is sometimes better than bread.  Water is always necessary.  God speaks in the whispers...so we have to turn down the noise and distractions to hear Him clearly.  

Today, I am grateful for volume control.