...and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. (1 Ki 19,12-13)

When we read the strong, forceful words delivered to God's people by prophets in past ages, we are tempted to think that they were men who had no trouble speaking harshly to others. As if we could see their face of stone, their nerves of steel, their raised, threatening fist, and their words of warning, fire and brimstone. And around the crowd of those who would bow to their words or be crushed by them.

But this is only man's idea of the men and women of God. In reality, these were people who, in order to be able to perceive the voice of God, were taught inner meekness and sensitivity. How can we be sure of this? It is because the Holy Spirit is sensitive by nature and can easily be chased away, and those who wish to maintain fellowship with Him must adapt themselves to Him. Of course, first of all, they must choose the way of holiness and a willingness to walk in the way of the Lamb. But something more is needed for a living communion with the Holy Spirit, if he is not to be just somewhere in a corner of our lives. "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit" (Eph. 4:30) says the Scripture, to the Ephesian believers who at that moment had already been walking the path of discipleship for several years. Do not grieve Him - how? "Let all hardness, wrath, anger, clamor be put away from you..." (Eph 4:31) 

The coexistence of two people implies a willingness to adapt to how the other perceives and experiences things. If the Holy Spirit is grieved, he withdraws and does not speak. Those who want to experience His work must be prepared to conform to His nature. He will therefore call our attention to every hard, unplowed fallow of our hearts.