Upon A Gentle Breeze

“And having dismissed the multitude, he went into a mountain alone to pray.” – Matthew 14:22-33

Often, Jesus would seek refuge alone in a quiet place to pray. After an event, such as feeding the multitudes, through the miracle of the loaves and fishes, He was in need of solitude and silence. It is said in the Gospels, that after He performed a miracle, He would sigh or moan. Such a response is the direct result of His healing, as He took upon himself the burden of the once suffering individual.

Elias, too, sought refuge, but for a different reason. He ran for his life, from an enraged Queen, who wanted to end it. His refuge was found in a cave, where he encounters God. However, not in the way he might have expected.

“…and a great and strong wind before the Lord over throwing the mountains, and breaking the rocks in pieces: the Lord is not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake: the Lord is not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire: the Lord is not in the fire,and after the  fire a whistling of a gentle air. And Elias heard it, he covered his face with his mantle…”- 1 kings 19:9, 11-13

Although, God is with us always, and in every circumstance, whether in joy or sorrow; we connect with Him best, when there are no distractions. That is why we are urged to go away to a place that is free from the daily distractions of our lives. For Jesus knew, and Elias discovered; that God is not in the spectacular, but the mundane. He is not in the din, but in stillness.

In stillness, one can hear a whisper, as though conveyed upon a gentle breeze. And in that whisper is a promise, that settles the restless heart: “I love you.”