Back when office fax machines were common, my desk once sat across from such a device.
Occasionally, the fax machine interrupted my concentration. Since fax machines incorporated telephones, the process began when the phone rang to indicate an incoming document. This was followed by clicking, whirring, and beeping as our machine connected with the machine on the other end. A grinding sound followed as the machine produced the incoming piece of paper.
But sometimes, when the phone rang, it wasn’t another machine but an actual person who had mistakenly called the fax number. “Hello? Hello?” the caller would say. When only a mechanical noise responded, the caller realized it was a mistake and hung up.
One time, this didn’t work because it wasn’t a person on the other end but a telemarketing robot. I heard, “Hello, my name is Lisa,” and the fax machine responded with “Beep! Beep!”
“I’m calling from the XYZ Insurance Company,” Lisa continued. Since there was no connection from another machine, the fax machine continued to seek the signal with “Beep! Beep! Beep!”
Lisa continued, “We can save you money on your coverage.”
“Beep! Beep!”
In short, one machine tried to communicate with another. Modern electronics have made personal communication easier, but if no ready ear hears or no one responds, all we have is noise.
This is the opposite of what happens when we pray. When praying, we are in direct contact with God’s ready ear. He also has a perfect response waiting. And of course, no noise exists.
Personal difficulties can make us anxious, but we can seek answers, encouragement, and hope from God. Our connection with Him is direct—no interference as with a fax machine. We also have an added advantage. When we pray, God is there to hear and respond. We’ll never encounter voicemail.
Do you have a ready ear?
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Anne Adams is a retired church staffer living in Athens, Texas, where she writes a historical column for the local newspaper. Her book Brittany, Child of Joy, tells about her mentally disabled daughter and was published in 1986 by Broadman. She has taught junior college history and has published in Christian and secular publications for forty years.