Sunday, September 6, 2020

17 Elul, 5780

Rabbi Benjamin Sharff

At the writing of this post, my region of the country is recovering from the after-effects of Hurricane Isaias. Given that we are still struggling with the impact of Covid-19, one cannot help but feel an overwhelming loss of control.


As we learn from the story of Elijah in I Kings 19:11-12, “There was a great and mighty wind, splitting mountains and shattering rocks by the power of God; but God was not in the wind. After the wind – an earthquake; but God was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake – fire; but God was not in the fire. And after the fire – a still small voice.”


At times of great turmoil, it is easy to be overwhelmed and give into despair. But we learn from this story of Elijah that there is hope, we may just need to look for it in a different way. Instead of trying to find meaning in the devastation we can find God in those choosing to face the harsh realities of life and not be deterred.


The desire to change and transform comes from not a place of despair, but instead from a place of hope. A hope that one day soon, a new day will dawn. All we need to do is be ready to hear that still small voice, for it is calling us, just as it has called so many in previous times of great challenge. Are we ready to listen?


No comments:

Post a Comment