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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

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

Read: 1 Kings 19:9-14
Listen: 1 Kings 19

TODAY’S MESSAGE

After God miraculously provided for Elijah in the wilderness (again), Elijah journeyed to Horeb, the mountain of God. It was there that God would dramatically meet Elijah. Rather than show himself to Elijah in the form of a mighty wind or earthquake, God speaks to Elijah in the form of a gentle whisper. It is through this encounter that Elijah learns that it is God and God alone that Elijah truly needs.

We tend to think true life and joy are the product of a problem-free life. But this is not how God responds to Elijah (or any of the biblical characters). Rather than take his problems away, God meets Elijah in the midst of his problems. When Elijah struggles most, God gives him the gift of God himself. Elijah is to stand “in the presence of the LORD” (1 Kings 19:9), for it is the LORD’s presence that he needs more than anything. What we ultimately need in life—more than any temporary blessings or comforts—is the gift of God himself. David’s prayer in Psalm 27:4 reflects this heart for God alone: “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Reflect upon your own heart for God. What is one way you could seek greater intimacy with God? If you are not a believer, the first place to start is turning from your sin and trusting in Jesus. Jesus promised that he is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one can come to God apart from him (John 14:6). If you have never turned to God in faith, take this as an opportunity to do so. And if you are a believer, maybe deepening your practice of solitude would be a great way to grow in your walk with God. You can read more about the practice of solitude here: beyondtheweekend.org/2023/07/03/july-3-solitude/.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

September is COMMUNITY. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.