Finding Joy in God's Gentle Whisper

Devotional

Day 1: The Gentle Whisper of God

In moments of despair, it is often the gentle whisper of God that brings profound revelation and assurance. This whisper is not a loud, dramatic proclamation but a quiet, gentle voice that speaks directly to our hearts. It reminds us of God's faithfulness and His plans for our future, even when we feel abandoned or overwhelmed. This whisper can come at our lowest points, revealing God's covenant and faithfulness, and it is in these moments of vulnerability that we are most open to hearing God's voice. [03:12]

1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke 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 the sound of a low whisper."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed or abandoned. How can you create space in your life today to listen for God's gentle whisper?

Day 2: Joy Rooted in God's Presence

True joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises. Even when we feel abandoned or overwhelmed, God's whisper can bring a joy that transcends our understanding and sustains us through trials. This joy is deeper than knowledge and is a secret between God and us, a promise of His plans and purposes for our lives. It is a reminder that God is always faithful, and His thoughts towards us are for good, to bring us to a desired end. [27:57]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to find joy? How can you invite God's presence into that area today to experience His sustaining joy?

Day 3: Faithfulness in the Valleys

Our faith often grows more in the valleys than on the mountaintops. In our weakest moments, when our own strength is gone, we are most open to hearing God's voice and experiencing His faithfulness. It is in these valleys that God's whisper can reveal a vision for our lives that is far greater than our current circumstances. Like David, we may not fully understand the scope of God's plans, but we can trust that He is working for our good and His glory. [23:11]

Psalm 84:5-7 (ESV): "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent valley experience in your life. How did you see God's faithfulness during that time, and how can you hold onto that assurance in future valleys?

Day 4: A Vision Beyond the Present

God's whisper can reveal a vision for our lives that is far greater than our current circumstances. Like David, we may not fully understand the scope of God's plans, but we can trust that He is working for our good and His glory. This vision is a reminder that God is always faithful, and His thoughts towards us are for good, to bring us to a desired end. It is a promise of His plans and purposes for our lives, and it is in these moments of vulnerability that we are most open to hearing God's voice. [21:59]

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God's vision beyond your current circumstances? How can you actively seek His guidance and trust in His plans today?

Day 5: The Power of the Cross

The whisper of God often points us to the cross, where the greatest victory was won. In our moments of despair, we are reminded of the power of the cross and the hope it brings, assuring us that God is with us and will never forsake us. This whisper is a secret between God and us, a promise of His plans and purposes for our lives. It is a reminder that God is always faithful, and His thoughts towards us are for good, to bring us to a desired end. [24:21]

Colossians 2:13-15 (ESV): "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."

Reflection: How does the power of the cross impact your understanding of God's presence in your life today? What is one way you can live in the victory of the cross this week?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of a rejoicing that transcends mere knowledge, a joy that is rooted in the whisper of God to our hearts. We began by reflecting on Psalm 22, where David, in a moment of deep despair, cries out to God, feeling abandoned and overwhelmed by his circumstances. Despite his anguish, David experiences a sudden revelation of God's faithfulness, a whisper that assures him of God's presence and future plans. This whisper is not a loud proclamation but a gentle assurance that God is with us, even in our darkest moments.

We also examined the story of Elijah, a great prophet who, despite his mighty works, found himself in a place of deep depression. It was not the powerful manifestations of God that lifted him out of his despair, but rather the still, small voice of God that spoke to his heart. This whisper of God is powerful enough to create a universe, to call forth life from death, and to sustain us through our trials.

The message emphasized that God's whisper can come at the lowest points in our lives, revealing His covenant and faithfulness. It is in these moments of vulnerability that we are most open to hearing God's voice, as our own strength and understanding are stripped away. The whisper of God brings a joy that is deeper than knowledge, a joy that sustains us and gives us hope for the future.

We concluded with a personal story of how a whisper from God can bring inexplicable joy and assurance, even when the circumstances remain unchanged. This whisper is a secret between God and us, a promise of His plans and purposes for our lives. It is a reminder that God is always faithful, and His thoughts towards us are for good, to bring us to a desired end.

Key Takeaways

1. The Whisper of God: In moments of despair, God's whisper can bring profound revelation and assurance. It is not always the loud, dramatic experiences that reveal God's presence, but the quiet, gentle voice that speaks to our hearts, reminding us of His faithfulness and plans for our future. [03:12]
2. Joy Beyond Circumstances: True joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises. Even when we feel abandoned or overwhelmed, God's whisper can bring a joy that transcends our understanding and sustains us through trials. [27:57]
3. God's Faithfulness in the Valley: Our faith often grows more in the valleys than on the mountaintops. In our weakest moments, when our own strength is gone, we are most open to hearing God's voice and experiencing His faithfulness. [23:11]
4. A Vision Beyond the Present: God's whisper can reveal a vision for our lives that is far greater than our current circumstances. Like David, we may not fully understand the scope of God's plans, but we can trust that He is working for our good and His glory. [21:59]
5. The Power of the Cross: The whisper of God often points us to the cross, where the greatest victory was won. In our moments of despair, we are reminded of the power of the cross and the hope it brings, assuring us that God is with us and will never forsake us. [24:21]
** [24:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Rejoicing Beyond Knowledge
[00:58] - Psalm 22: David's Cry of Despair
[02:01] - Elijah's Experience of God's Whisper
[03:28] - The Power of God's Whisper
[05:08] - Feeling Forsaken by God
[07:08] - David's Honest Lament
[09:18] - Overwhelmed by Circumstances
[12:33] - Revelation in Despair
[14:47] - Declaring God's Faithfulness
[17:19] - A Vision of a Great Assembly
[19:59] - The Global Impact of God's Plan
[22:42] - Learning in the Valley
[24:44] - Personal Story of God's Whisper
[27:57] - Joy Deeper Than Knowledge
[30:09] - Invitation to Hear God's Whisper

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 22:24 - "For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard."
1 Kings 19:11-12 - "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper."
Psalm 25:14 - "The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant."

Observation Questions

What was David's emotional state when he wrote Psalm 22, and how did he express his feelings towards God? [07:08]
How did Elijah's experience on the mountain illustrate the power of God's whisper? [03:12]
According to the sermon, what is the significance of God's whisper in our lives, especially during difficult times? [03:28]
How does Psalm 25:14 describe the relationship between those who fear the Lord and the revelation of His covenant? [04:27]

Interpretation Questions

In what ways does the whisper of God provide assurance and hope, even when circumstances remain unchanged? [27:57]
How does the story of Elijah challenge our expectations of how God should reveal Himself in our lives? [03:12]
What does the sermon suggest about the role of vulnerability in hearing God's voice? [22:42]
How can the concept of God's whisper help us understand the nature of true joy as described in the sermon? [27:57]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or overwhelmed. How might the whisper of God have provided comfort or guidance during that period? [07:08]
Elijah experienced God's presence in a gentle whisper rather than dramatic events. How can you create space in your life to hear God's whisper amidst the noise? [03:12]
The sermon emphasizes that God's whisper can reveal a vision beyond our current circumstances. What vision or promise do you feel God is whispering to you right now? [21:59]
How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God, as mentioned in Psalm 25:14, in your daily life? [04:27]
The sermon shared a personal story of inexplicable joy from God's whisper. Can you recall a moment when you experienced joy or peace that transcended your understanding? [24:44]
In what ways can you encourage others in your community to listen for God's whisper during their trials? [17:19]
How can the power of the cross, as highlighted in the sermon, serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness in your life? [24:21]

Sermon Clips

I want to speak to you today about a rejoicing that is deeper than knowledge, a rejoicing that is deeper than knowledge and a father I thank you with all my heart Lord for the anointing of your Holy Spirit. I thank you Lord how you make these words on this page today come alive and God did quickens us and takes our minds out of despair and brings us to another place where you are your faithfulness dwells there you have said you will never leave nor forsake us. [00:00:00]

In first Kings in the Old Testament chapter 19 there was a great prophet of God called Elijah who would loved with all his heart served him passionately but at a certain point in his life in ministry he just fell into a disparar depression came on him and he went to the top of a mountain and he just sat down and he said God I'm done. I'm paraphrasing but basically that's what he said lord I I'm done I've had it. [00:02:01]

The whisper of God was enough to keep this man going and do great good through his life for the remainder of his life you know sometimes we we want this incredible experience with God we want the place where we are to be shaken we want the fire to come down we we are very much like Elijah is failing to understand that the whisper of God has the power to create a universe. [00:03:28]

Psalm 25 and verse 14 says the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and it will show them his covenant in other words he will he will show them his promise to keep them his power to keep him he was told them what he did and how he can be trusted for those who walk with God and and when it says fear him it just means they have a deep reverence for God. [00:04:11]

David the king was really at the pinnacle of his calling he it was not yet at the place where God was going to use him to usher the glory the presence of the Lord back into the center of Jerusalem again he he hadn't conquered fully the way he was destined to conquer but at a sudden point in his life now nobody knows for sure when David wrote this but some at least speculate that it was at the time when King Saul was pursuing him to take his life and everything seemed to be going wrong. [00:05:47]

It's amazing when you read it it's it's only the last little part of verse 21 he just said save me from the lion's mouth and from the horns of the wild oxen then he says you have answered me now it gets deeper it gets better after this I will declare your name to my brethren in other words I'm going to tell everybody that you've been faithful to me I'm gonna tell everybody now I'm still surrounded perhaps by enemies I'm still in the cement work environment I'm still going through the same stuff but God you have answered me. [00:14:28]

David saw something even bigger than sharing with individual people his victory, then coming to church then exhorting the assembly he said I see gathering of people a great assembly and I will praise you there as well he didn't he couldn't fully understand it but I see more and more and more and more people come together more and more people worshipping God, I see something in my spirit I'm gonna praise you there I'm not gonna be quiet. [00:17:19]

The greatest event in all of history was going to take place on the killcount Mountain Calvary and the very words that he had experienced the very things he had said in the midst of his pain we're going to be the greatest victory that the world has ever known, that's why David that's why Jesus on the cross quoted verse one of Psalm 22 my God my God why have you forsaken me he was quoting the entire Psalm just by opening with that first verse. [00:19:59]

You see what I'm trying to say this morning is that just because you're down doesn't mean God won't speak something more profound to you than you've ever heard in your entire life don't don't buy the lie that God's not speaking to you he saw a moment coming when every knee would bow and every tongue would confess he couldn't finish the verse because he didn't know there was somebody called Jesus Christ who was going to be Lord although Jesus Christ the physical man was in his DNA and would come through his lineage. [00:21:59]

Realistically I don't know how much my faith has grown on the mountaintop over the years I love I love the mountaintop don't misunderstand out of clapping my hands and dancing and singing with everybody else and I've had some incredible mountaintop experiences but I found most often it's in the valley that I learned more about God because it's in the valley that when you're on the mountaintop you you have a tendency to shift our strength to ourselves but when we're in the valley we know we know you know you know you can say you know I heard that growing out there we know only God can get us through these times. [00:23:11]

The secret of the Lord was spoken to her heart in a whisper and even though the circumstance didn't change even though the life maybe was a little tough in those days, God spoke a secret to her heart about something he was going to do cuz he knew his plan for her and see my point this morning is no matter how dark your days might be no matter how difficult your situation if you will let the Holy Spirit he will whisper something into your heart that you may not fully understand and bring you to a place of rejoicing that is deeper than knowledge. [00:27:57]

The interesting thing is that David doesn't know what this is, he just knows it's really big, it's really big and it's going to go worldwide and it's going to be incredible, and the revelation came to his heart at the lowest point in his life sometimes you and I can't fully understand the power of the cross while there's still a measure of our own strength left in us we will always lean in our own strength we will always try to find a way out in our own understanding we're prone to that we all are and then suddenly one day God takes it all away where it's all him or nothing the only thing we have left is the will to walk with Him. [00:24:21]

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Finding Joy in God's Gentle Whisper

Devotional

Day 1: The Gentle Whisper of God

Day 2: Joy Rooted in God's Presence

Day 3: Faithfulness in the Valleys

Day 4: A Vision Beyond the Present

Day 5: The Power of the Cross

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Finding Joy in God's Gentle Whisper

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