Tuning In

Transistor RadioI have an old battery operated transistor radio I use sometimes when I go for a walk. When it is not quite tuned in to the correct frequency, I can hear some of what is being said, but it may fade in and out, there may be static and sometimes I can hear country music or preaching from another station in the background. I try to avoid changing the station at all because it is so hard to get it to exactly the right spot!  Sometimes, in order to be sure I am tuned in to the right station, I take it over to another radio that I know is correct and turn them both on at the same time.

My heart is like a radio, but it receives the voice of my Savior instead of receiving a radio broadcast.  The signal that carries the Savior’s voice is the Holy Ghost.  This concept is clearly taught in Doctrine and Covenants 8:2, “Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.” (See also Moses 5:9 and Moroni 8:7-9). This spiritual signal is always broadcasting, just like a radio station, but sometimes I get busy and caught up in the world. At these times I cannot hear the Lord’s voice because I am either not listening at all or not tuned in very well.

Sometimes I can hardly hear because of the “background noise” in my life. This includes the stresses of my day-to-day life and Satan’s lies. I am especially susceptible to the ones that include “if only,” “someday,” “should,” and “I can eat just one – it will make me feel better.”  I create static for myself when I compare myself to others. I have written in a previous post about the “committee in my head”. Those voices sometimes shout so loudly that they would drown out anything!

I want so much to be able to hear the voice of love, harmony and peace that speaks to me when I tune in to the right frequency and reduce or eliminate the background noise. I have had to learn this lesson through trial, error and practice.  First, I have to notice when I am not in tune with the Spirit, and not hearing the Lord’s voice. Second, I have to reawaken my desire to hear it. Third, I have to do what is necessary to get tuned in.

I take an honest look at my life – an inventory. I ask myself if I have any self-limiting beliefs or habits that are creating static. Is there anything I need to change to be able to hear His voice?

I have discovered that listening to the right kind of music can help me tune in as much as listening to the wrong kind can interfere. For me, music with words is distracting but certain kinds of instrumental music – Native American flute for example – can help me hear the still small voice of the Spirit.

I have to be willing to believe that the Savior really loves me unconditionally and wants to communicate with me in order to hear His voice. If I don’t turn on my spiritual radio because I am afraid that nothing is being broadcast, I won’t hear the message no matter how good it is.

Just as I sometimes take my little transistor radio over to one that I know is on the right station, I have learned to recognize the Savior’s voice by reading His words in the scriptures and listening to the prophets when He speaks to me through them.

Tuning in is quite a bit of work, but well worth the effort.  Staying tuned in is easier than getting tuned in.  I try to avoid changing the station at all.

  • Are you in tune?
  • Do you need to eliminate static or fine tune your receiver?
  • What actions are you willing to take to help you get and stay in tune so you can better receive personal revelation through the Spirit?

 

3 thoughts on “Tuning In

  1. This “tuning in” sounds like sobriety to me. I have a few months of abstinence and have in the last 2 months started experiencing sobriety, it feels great! I remember these old radios, I used to have one. I always wished I could tune to my station and that the sounds I enjoyed would continue without interruption, it didn’t work that way! I always had to make little adjustments through the course of the day. I find the same thing to be true spiritually; for me to stay sober I have to stay tuned-in. For me tuning-in means hitting my knees immediately upon waking up and then reading scriptures and doing step-work first thing. Throughout the day I have to remember to ask for help from my Heavenly Father to adjust my tuner as internal and external conditions dictate.

    I love this blog! : )

  2. I can relate so much to the message and thoughts of this particular blog. It is so easy to get caught up with life and the happenings of every day life and to forget about listening to the spirit. I find that when I realize I am doing that I have to get busy and refocus my thoughts and desires. I really do want to always be tuned into the Spirit so that I can hear the promptings from my Father in Heaven. Singing a favorite primary song helps me a lot. So does reading a conference talk or calling someone and checking to see if they are okay or need a word of encouragement. These particular things seem to help me every time I use them. I appreciate the reminder of how important it is to stay tuned in to the right channel is.

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