Read: Jeremiah 33:2,3 and Psalm 116:1,2
My teenage son is a volunteer for the Audio/Visual ministry at church. During special events, he has an opportunity to receive monetary compensation for his labors. Because he is under age, the church requested that he obtain a work permit. I had no idea where to find the permit, but after thinking the matter through, I decided that the best place to ask would be the Employment Office.
I looked in the phone directory but didn't find a general number for asking a question. So, I called one of the numbers listed, figuring I'd be pointed in the right direction by the individual answering the phone. The phone rang twice. A recording came on telling me that if I wanted the message in English to press one and if Spanish, press two. I pressed one. The recording proceeded to give me a list of nine options. I waited patiently for the end of the list, assuming that the final option would be press zero to speak to a receptionist. That was not an option! I had to choose one of the nine previously stated options which, by the way, were now being repeated, in its entirety! I pressed three. Once again, the recording began reciting yet another extensive list of options. My desire to press zero for the receptionist remained unfulfilled. For the sake of variety I pressed six. Now, the recording outlined eight options for me, none of which directed me to a human being! I was on the phone for fifteen minutes and not once did I get to speak to anyone. I hung up with my question unanswered.
We have a promise from the Lord that He will answer us when we call. Not only will He respond to our immediate need, but He has also promised to show us even greater things than we had expected. What a comfort to know that no matter when we want to talk to Him, He is available. Not once will we be caught in a recorded "loop." Not once will we have to walk away in frustration because there was no one there to answer our questions.
Throughout our journey on this earth, there will be times when people fail us. Family and friends will not always be there. In our greatest times of need, there may be no one available to help, to listen, or to care. But God has promised to be there for us at all times. He will never leave us or forsake us. Call on Him when you have a question. Bend His ear when you're facing a crisis. Whisper a prayer of gratitude when things are going well. He hears you, and He will answer you!
Prayer
Lord, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for Your attentiveness to my voice. Though you are listening to a multitude of Your children right now, my voice is distinctive to Your ear. I pray that You, in turn, would give me a sensitivity to Your voice. Grant me a hunger to spend time in fellowship with You. I want to share in Your existence, and I want You to share in mine. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
