The story in 1 Kings 19 of Elijah in the cave is perhaps overfamiliar. The prophet is instructed by the Lord to stand on the mountain and wait for the Lord to pass by. Whirlwind, earthquake, and fire make an impressive display but all are God-vacant. Then comes a whisper — some translations say silence — and Elijah knows God is in it. 

A whisper is intimate. It’s a cupped hand against a trusted ear. It only works when there is little distance between speaker and listener. Perhaps that’s why it is God’s preferred tone of voice. Because he is not far from each one of us. 

Right now the coronavirus is on many of our minds. In a loud voice, the news breaks upon us minute by minute and with it fear crouches at our door. Wisdom and common-sense are called for, to be sure, and we’ll do well to use both. But fear need not master us. The whisper of God invites us: ​“Be not afraid. I am right here.”

The Still Small Voice was well known by George Fox, founder of the Quakers. His letters reveal a man who knew God firsthand and a pastor who longed for others to know God in the same way. He encourages:

Sing and rejoice you children of the Day and of the Light. For the Lord is at work in this thick night of darkness that may be felt… Never heed the tempests nor the storms, floods or rains, for the Seed, Christ, is over all and does reign.

Peace of Christ to you,