Our brain is made to think. That’s why we have thoughts in our heads most of the time, sometimes non-stop, sometimes a little quieter. The monks, when they withdraw from the noisy outside world, learn to study the thoughts and voices in their minds. There are all kinds of thoughts. Good ones and bad ones. Those that come from God and bring peace, healing and joy, and those that do not come from God and bring confusion, negativity and ultimately destruction. Which voices are stronger? How do they sound? The prophet Elijah found out when he withdrew and took shelter in a cave:
“There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord—but the Lord was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the Lord was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the Lord was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound.” (1 Kings 19:11-12)
The loudest thoughts in our heads are not necessarily the healthiest. Okay, when I’m hanging off a cliff and my head is screaming: Hold on so you don’t fall – a healthy voice. But often loud voices blame others, accuse others or ourselves, criticize, put down, make a wish that can’t be fulfilled at that moment – they are not helpful. It is good to let them die down or, if possible, to stop them. Strangely enough, it is precisely in such situations that God “sneaks in” with a quiet voice – as here with Elijah. It makes sense to get to know this soft voice.
Why does God speak with a quiet voice? He can also speak loudly, that is easy for him. But often he doesn’t – why? Perhaps he respects my freedom and doesn’t want to force me. He trusts that I can find the right thing. He is gentle. And merciful. Another reason could be that he wants us to really listen. Only when we hear the sound voice we become able to really listen what is said to us. Elijah, hearing the light silent sound, went out, stood at the entrance of the cave and listen to what God had to say him.
Lord, make your voice audible to me. Let your voice be so characteristic that I can distinguish it from other voices. Don’t let me be too impressed when I am bombarded by many and loud voices. Your voice is so healing. I long for it.
Wilde Monk 