Ahhh! October! Many folks consider this the most beautiful month of the year. And rightfully so. The heat and humidity of the summer flee before the clear, bright winds of this tenth month; and the cold, dark days of winter are not yet to be endured.
September 2017 brought much of nature on the rampage for folks in parts of this hemisphere. Fortunately, we were spared - even though we sometimes complained during the early weeks of damp and unseasonably chilly or the latter weeks of humid and unseasonably hot weather. However, after much news and graphic pictures following hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires, we were silenced in the face of such devastation and tragedy. Keep our brothers and sisters in all the places affected by these horrendous events in prayer.
On the home front, as we anticipate enjoying all the activities of October – finishing up the garden, kicking fallen leaves on a walk in the woods, football games, and even chowing down at the Holland Church Ham Buffet, we realize how much we visualize all these events taking place with no problems or complications. Fine autumn weather. Good health. None of our many appliances, cars or even the smart phone breaking down. Where does all the trust we need, in order to accomplish our plans, come from? In our busy lives, bombarded by sensory stimuli, both audible and visual, whence comes the thread of confidence that allows us to make plans and expect to fulfill them? We hope, for each of us, that this thread can be found in moments when we can shut out the intrusive world. A time when we can do what we want, not what we must. A time to pray, to read, to listen for that still small voice that restores peace and trust.
Time to our selves is often a difficult assignment. Responsibilities, demands and even the unexpected threaten to overwhelm us. We get tired, irritable. We get “burned out.” Just like Elijah. Observe what happened when God invited him, exhausted and feeling defeated, to watch:
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: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12
Elijah returned to the struggle, renewed and strengthened. As was Elijah, we are besieged with everything from minor irritations to calamities in our lives. Take some time to pull back and listen for that still small voice. He’s always there. Enjoy His peace; and enjoy October.
