Tuned In

The presence of God is like a soundtrack always playing in the background of my life, a persistent song of love and faithfulness. God’s job seems to be to keep playing for me, day in and day out. My job is to tune in! But… how?

On road trips, my preferred radio station quickly becomes fuzzy as I move out of range. Disappointed, I search for another station or just turn the radio off. It is worth noting that although I can no longer hear the music, my favourite station is still transmitting within its territory. When I apply this analogy to my faith journey, I am reminded to stay close to the Source. I need to refuse the temptation to stop listening to His voice or to fill my life with lesser things. I believe remaining steadfast in my faith practices helps me to stay within range.

So...Tip #1: Stay close.

As I learned living in a university dorm, I have difficulty processing two sources of input at the same time. In order to enjoy music or conversation, I need to focus on just that one thing. Competing sounds have got to go! Likewise, when I desire connection to God, I need to reduce the static of other distractions. I cannot concurrently tune into His voice as well as the litany of busy thoughts that seem to be my default setting. It amazes me that when I am intentional about my focus, genuine communication is possible.

Tip #2: Tune out the noise.

This final point is partly a matter of semantics. Although hearing and listening both involve the ears, they are in fact quite different. Hearing comes before listening just as listening requires more than simply hearing. I can hear music playing - I can even sing along absentmindedly if I know the song well - but that doesn’t mean I am actively listening to it. How often I have caught myself just hearing a song playing when I am buzzing around the house or driving. I fail to notice the nuances of the instruments as they blend together, I miss the emotion in the singer’s voice and the lyrics leave my heart unmoved. Listening, on the other hand, is a rich, stirring and lovely experience. Listening requires intention, processing and response. So, how does this translate to my faith practices? I am reminded to read the Word for meaning, speak from my heart when I pray, worship with my heart when I sing and make time for active listening for God’s voice.

Tip #3: Be active.

I don’t know about you, but I would love to listen more often and more carefully to the soft yet sure song of God’s presence in my life. May I adjust my dial so I am tuned into Him!