A still small voice . . .
In Cape Charles, Virginia, the month of March is typically windy. (That’s an understatement!) If I’m not dressed properly for the great outdoors, the wind coming off of the water of the still frigid Chesapeake Bay chills my body to the bone marrow, and more importantly, makes it difficult for this gal to have a good-hair day.
Sand from the beach blows indiscriminately, stinging my face and covering the streets and lawns of my fair town with grit Ugh! And w
hen the wind howls, as it often does in March, the flags dotted here and there throughout Cape Charles incessantly flap about, creating a loud, snapping noise and making it impossible for me to hear myself think as I stroll along.
But at night, when I’m trying to sleep, well, that’s the worst. Our cottage groans and creaks as if to protest the wind’s unrelenting assault on its extremities. The windows rattle. Unsecured trash bins tumble and skip down the street, forming a nocturnal parade of sorts. A pair of unoccupied rocking chairs scoot across our front porch. The wind even whistles as it rounds each corner of the house—and trust me, it’s not a happy tune.
If you’ve read my 2026 website blogs for January and February, you know that my word for the year is still—as in calm., quiet, silence, SHUSH! I
n the merry, merry month of March, still doesn’t happen too often in Cape Charles.
This blustery season on Virginia’s Eastern Shore reminds me of a scripture passage from the Old Testament. In these verses the Lord is speaking to the prophet Elijah who is atop Mount Horeb.
11 And he [the Lord] 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:
12 And after the earthquake, a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire, a still small voice. (word in bold is my doing)
1 Kings 19:11-12 (KJV)
After a strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire, I’m guessing that Elijah was ready for “a still small voice.” As I read and reread this scripture, I reflect on the fact that the prophet was human. And I ponder how physically and emotionally exhausting it must have been for him to have witnessed these events. Had I been in his shoes (or sandals), I suspect that this impressive display of God’s power would have rendered me speechless and weary.
I have personally experienced prolonged hurricane-strength winds, rocks breaking loose and tumbling down a mountainside, two minor earthquakes, and the destruction of a neighbor’s house by fire. Each made me tremble with fear. Each made me yearn for some peace and quiet—and the assurance of God’s presence.
Most often, I hear God’s still small voice when I intentionally carve out quiet time to be in His presence.
taking a brief respite from my busy schedule
reading, studying, and meditating on His word
singing a favorite hymn
sitting in silence after praying
enjoying a sunset, an ocean, a wildflower, or a snowy day
But sometimes, God speaks to me when I least expect it and in the strangest places.
at the grocery store
in the waiting room of a doctor’s office
during a book event as a lady shares her life story
on a long car ride
during a Hallmark movie
Expected or not, a word from God is awe inspiring. Sometimes, it’s life changing. May the good Lord grant me the desire to listen for His voice—and the wisdom to obey Him.
When have you heard the still small voice of God? I would be honored if you would share your experience with me.