Is the Volume Turned On?

Last Saturday I girded the loins of my mind and decided to go shopping in the big city of Wichita. At least to this small-town, country gal it seems big. I'm not much of a shopper to start with and when you combine it with city driving, well, you might say, it takes a lot of courage. However, my adventurous spirit kicked in and I decided to tackle it head-on. Actually, the biggest attraction was the thought of meeting a long-time friend for lunch. 

My first stop that morning was at Christopher & Banks. This place was not hard to find. I could've even done it without the GPS but I put it on, just in case. As I was in the fitting room, I heard this voice coming from the depths of my purse, instructing me where to make the next turn. I was embarrassed and slightly disgusted and turned the volume off. That should fix it, I thought. I finished fitting on clothes, paid for my purchases and headed out the door. 

Now where am I going? I pulled my phone out and put the address in the GPS. I slowly started driving, waiting for it to start "talking". It didn't! I was peeved. Sometimes it talks and sometimes it doesn't, so I kept going, fervently hoping it would decide to use it's voice. It's hard to drive (in traffic, no less!) while trying to look at the GPS to see where I am going. I thought I knew which street to turn on but I wasn't sure which direction so I missed the turn and pulled off. Now I was getting mad! Why isn't this stupid thing "talking"?? I looked it over to see if I could figure out any clues. Hmmm....I suddenly remembered what had happened in the dressing room. It might help to turn the volume up. Amazingly, after that it worked!

This got me thinking...

There are times I wonder why God isn't talking to me. I'm asking for directions cause I REALLY NEED TO KNOW WHERE TO GO! But I don't hear anything and I'm too impatient to sit and wait till I do, so I forge ahead and then miss my turn. Then I waste time back-tracking and feel frustrated. Why? Why do I do this? Wouldn't it have been better to sit and listen until I knew which direction to go? And maybe it would also help if I turn the volume on. Some of the things that put it in the "off" position may be doubt, unbelief, busyness, worry or fear. These definitely keep me from hearing. How about you?

"...in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..." Isaiah 30:15