It always happens when I get
too far away. It begins with a little crackle, then eventually diminishes to the
point I can no longer hear it.
Static, other stations interfering, loss of signal
when going under a bridge. Things those of us with typical radios have to
contend with. For those who have satellite radio, finding and losing radio
stations is not an issue.
It's not enjoyable listening to stations with static
but without satellite it's inevitable. You know the drill. You find a station
playing music you enjoy but you are some distance away. Five miles in the wrong
direction and static begins intruding on your pleasurable experience. Or while
on a road trip, stations fade in and out with every fifty miles you drive. First
comes the crackling, then other stations interfere and then the station is lost
completely.
Sin is similar to the static. The psalmist said,
"If
I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened."
(Psalm 66:18 NIV).
Of course, the writer was not speaking literally but
in typical Hebrew poetical form. If God is God, he cannot not listen or hear. If
he was limited in this or other areas, he wouldn't be God. The statement has
deeper meaning.
As static keeps us from clearly hearing radio
stations, so known and intentional sin interferes in our relationship with God.
We don't lose the relationship but we can't experience its complete joy. Sin
keeps us from hearing what God says. We can't serve two masters, so Jesus says
(Matthew 6:24). The more sin we try to live with, the fainter God's voice
becomes. And when we don't hear God clearly, we miss opportunities.
As driving nearer to the station delivers a clearer
signal, so confession tunes in God's voice. And life is always fuller and more
enjoyable when sin's static is not tuning out God's call letters.
Prayer: Lord God, remind us to confess our known sins
so we can hear You clearly.
Martin Wiles
mandmwiles@homesc.com
Harleyville, South Carolina, USA
www.morningliteministry.com
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