God’s Still Small Voice Amid COVID19

Reflection by Dr. Elizabeth Pierre – Associate Professor of Pastoral Care & Counseling & Counseling Psychology

Like most of our country and our world, I am spending my days and nights at home. It is so very surreal and at times overwhelming. There is so much to be mindful of, so many people to care for, and there is so much unknown. Lord, what is happening?

Even though I am home and it is quiet, I am surprised at how much noise I still can take in. How I can still be very much distracted when I am alone. It’s not just the noise coming from my computer screen, Zoom calls, texting, or FaceTime. It’s the noise that is often swirling in my own mind. As I seek for various spiritual practices to ground myself at this time, I keep returning to listening.

When the prophet Elijah is afraid for his life and runs from Jezebel (1), I imagine it was hard for him to listen to God. His anxiety and fear must have overwhelmed him. Yet when God calls him to the mountain, Elijah hears “a gentle whisper.” (2) God’s voice was not in the earthquake nor in the fire but in a gentle whisper. And what is fascinating is that, God proceeds to ask Elijah a question, “What are you doing, here, Elijah?” (3) When we create space to listen, the invitation is often for a dialogue with God. Elijah responds to this invitation and shares his pain. God in turn provides insight and guidance.

As I already mentioned, there still can be a lot of noise even when we are mandated to stay put and be still. As you enter this week, I encourage you to create space to listen to what God is saying each day. What is God saying through scripture? What is God saying in your conversations? What is God saying in the news? Is God calling you to rest today? Is God calling you to lament? Do you need to take a step outside/go for a walk? Are you being called to connect to with family and friends in a new way? Is God calling you to get additional support through therapy or direction, at this time? Is God calling you to hope or to hope again? The invitation will be different each day because what you need is different each day. Listen for God’s still small voice; may it remind you that God is near, and you are not alone.

• (1) 1 Kings 19
• (2) 1 Kings 19:12 New International Version
• (3) 1 Kings 19:13