Bad Reception

I remember the day my hubby handed me my new Droid phone. I looked at him blankly, wondering why he was handing me a calculator and how in the world would this gadget fit in my hand, purse, and life. I’m an old-fashioned girl with a technology allergy that flairs up around digital devices.

I do well enough around computers, but that’s about it. In time I got used to speaking into my calculator-phone, and I’ve realized it’s an important tool for communication. When it comes to music I’m still i-less: no iPad, iPod, or iTouch, (though I do have iDrops if anyone needs them). Instead, I get in my truck and turn the radio to my favorite station, the Joy FM. Simple.

Sometimes I play – gasp – CDs, and sometimes I go with wind-blown silence. But lately I’ve noticed something odd with my radio station reception. When I drive out of our neighborhood each morning I pull up to the turning lane light and the radio station reception blanks out. Instead of music, the steady sound of static fills my truck. It’s frustrating.

Why can’t I hear anything? Why in this exact spot? Yet I know the station is still playing music and I just have to continue listening because eventually I’ll drive away from this spot. Then I’ll hear static-free music again.

Often we’re faced with the same situation in our faith. Beautiful spiritual music can be interrupted by lonely, uncertain silence. There are times during our faith walk that we can’t clearly hear the music of our Savior’s voice, and our soul feels lost and confused. But rest assured, Heavenly reception isn’t gone and our Savior is not far away. He is near, just as His Word promises.

After all, the most important technology we have to cling to during times of bad reception is God’s Word. From Abram to Jonah, the Bible details periods of bad reception for God’s people — days, weeks, months and even years that God refined, taught, emptied, and lifted up.

In the belly of the fish Jonah certainly must have experienced bad reception, yet God heard his desperate prayer. “When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple” (2:7).

The Lord delivered Jonah from the fish, and His word promises He will never leave us or forsake us. Don’t stop praying and trusting when you experience bad reception. Strengthen your faith through God’s Word and the promises found within.

In my truck each morning, I remember the silence won’t last forever and the music will play again. When the light changes and I head south, the beautiful music comes back on, clear and strong.

Memory Verse:
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.”
– Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)

Prayer Prompt:
“Heavenly Father, we’re not promised ease in this earthly life. But we are promised peace, strength, and grace through our faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your Son, that He’s our strong tower and our refuge, even during times of silence and confusion. Grow our faith as we learn to trust You more, and forgive our doubt and worry. We love You….”

Contributing Writer:
Kerry Johnson
A Lamp, a Light, and a Writer