“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;”                       Proverbs 4:20-21 (NIV)

While driving in my car, I was singing along with the song on the radio (yes, FM radio) when it happened – the station started going in and out. I would hear a few words … [crackling] … then pieces … wor— [crackling] … Then the song came back clearly – long enough for me to get into singing again and only to be disappointed when I lost the good signal again and heard nothing. but. static.

If I know a song well enough and am familiar with the words (or most of the words), I just keep singing along through the static.

I am persistent. Well … until I’m not. 

When I’m not, I finally give up and tune to another radio station. Not my favorite one, but at least one that is not fading in and out. I wait awhile – maybe two minutes, two days, or two weeks – Then, I try the other station again.

My experience with my car radio reminds me of how I hear God. Sometimes the message is crystal clear and at other times I only get every other word not able to clearly receive His message. 

I think maybe if I get to a better spot (higher ground) I can get better reception. But how long will that take and how long will that last? When I’m in those low spots isn’t that when I need Him most? Yet, this is when He seems hardest to hear. 

I discovered the best way to break through the static of this world and everyday life is to prepare myself to sing along even when the music – or in this case, God’s message – fades. I need to learn the words now to be able to sing along later.

I learned all of my favorite songs by listening to them over and over – now, I get (most of) the words right even when interrupted by the static. 

The same must be true in my spiritual life as well. I need to continuously and continually read the scriptures. Immerse myself in God’s word. 

By doing this when those times come and God’s direction for me seems unclear, the gaps will be filled with the strength of His message. 

Join me in singing through the static by writing His words on your heart. 

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Dear Lord,

I know that when I can’t hear you it isn’t because you are not there. The static of this world often gets in the way and makes me hard of hearing. Help me fill in those gaps with the truth of Your word by writing it on my heart so that in the static of life I can continue to sing along with You.

Amen.