Not Responding

Thankfully I’m about to switch over to a new computer.  The one on which I’m currently working has developed a terrible habit that is making me crazy.  When I try to bring up a new program or window, especially from Microsoft Office, a note will appear a the top of the screen: “Not Responding.”  At that point my choice is to either shut the program and try again or wait a bit longer and see if the program will finally respond.  Honestly, there are times when I’ve wanted to yell at the computer scream, “Who are you not to respond to me? How dare you not respond when I try to bring you up!”  But, yelling at a computer has rarely sped it up or solved its technical issues.  (In fact, I think it just makes the computer less responsive!)

I’ve found, however, that this business of non-responsiveness is not only with my computer.  For some reason it seems to have become quite pervasive.  Like the many times I’ve called a bank or insurance company only to get a phone system that wouldn’t allow me to talk to a real person—even after pressing “0” five times!  Or, the person to whom I’ve sent an email, only to be left waiting for a response for days on end.  Then there are the voicemails I’ve left, never to get a return phone call. ( I hope that’s not any of you!).  You know what I’m talking about.  We’ve all experienced a non-responsive computer, company, or person.  However it’s delivered, the message “Not Responding” can be both frustrating and discouraging.  

Thankfully, such is not the case with God.  He says, “’Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD….” (Jeremiah 29:12-14 – NIV) 

God has given us a promise. When we seek for him—when we call upon him—he will respond to us.  He will not leave us trapped in a phone system.  He will not keep us hanging or waiting. Rather, he will answer us.  He will reveal himself to us.  He will respond to us.  He will never say, “Not Responding.” 

So today, call upon the name of the Lord. Seek him with your whole heart.  And, do so knowing that he will respond!

Have a great day! 

Pastor Tim Harris