(Note: As part of aging, I find it relaxing to connect with the Higher Being, bringing stability to my soul or spirit or consciousness however we define that inner being that makes us more superior than the rest of world's species. Spirituality is a privilege so enjoy it.)
--- I am guided by Our Daily Bread Devotional
Whispers on the Mountain: A Reflection on 1 Kings 19
May 4, 2025
“Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
— 1 Kings 19:11
The Gentle Whisper
Elijah’s story on Mount Horeb speaks deeply to the restlessness many of us carry. God was not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire—but in a gentle whisper. It’s a call for us, too, to seek silence over spectacle.
Yesterday, I had my own moment of reckoning. Fueled by energy, music, and excitement, I began recording leg exercises for my digital content. I danced, swung my arms, laughed at my own silliness. But after the joy came the warning: my blood pressure was high.
This wasn’t new. I’ve lived most of my life over-zealously—driven by anxious “must-dos,” chasing dreams with no audience and no finish line. I mistook passion for purpose, urgency for usefulness. In truth, I was damaging myself in the name of building something.
The Folly of Overdrive
“I have been very zealous for the Lord…”
— 1 Kings 19:10
Like Elijah, I’ve felt burned out and alone in my passion. Unlike Elijah, I didn’t stop soon enough. The truth is: we are not built for endless motion. Youth may absorb the wear and tear, but age does not.
We are not machines. We’re designed to move and be still. To rise and rest. To dance and to lie down. Just like day and night, just like the seasons, just like life and death.
Noise vs. Stillness
During a recent trip to Manila, the moment I stepped out into the street, I was overwhelmed. The city screamed with noise, movement, chaos. Maybe people get used to it. But should we?
In contrast, retreating to a quiet hotel room became sacred. Peace. Stillness. Focus.
Sometimes, to hear God, you must retreat to your cave.
Lessons from the Whisper
“After the fire came a gentle whisper.”
— 1 Kings 19:12
I asked, What went wrong? And God responded, softly—not in the adrenaline of a workout, but in the slowing down of my breath. The lesson is clear:
✦ The spirit is willing, but the flesh is designed to rest.
✦ Wisdom is knowing when to stop.
✦ Aging is not defeat—it’s transition.
Things I’ve Come to Accept
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Genes matter. Some people are blessed with longevity and strength. If that’s you—rejoice.
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Lifestyle choices shape outcomes. The less you indulge in danger, the more likely you’ll age well.
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Mindset is everything. Acceptance of both failure and success brings peace.
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Ambition must mature. Youthful hunger is healthy. But in time, it must yield to wisdom.
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Priorities define health. What you chase determines what you sacrifice.
Final Thought
“What are you doing here, Elijah?”
— 1 Kings 19:13
That’s the question. And the answer is not found in action, but in attention. Not in noise, but in stillness.
Let us climb the mountain, not to conquer—but to listen.