I Heard It on the Radio - “Everyday”

I Heard It on the Radio - “Everyday”

WHAT KEEPS YOU going during tough times? How about these three things: love—having a friend or partner to weather the storm with you; time—the invisible healer and consummate miracle worker; and hope—a belief system that sustains you when the resolution to your problems is nowhere in sight. That’s just what the rock band BoDeans sings about in their recording of “Everyday.”^a

Steve told me a story last week about a time, over twenty years ago, when a friend of his got caught up in a “force reduction.” Cutbacks in payroll cut him out of a job. The guy worked the job circuit and his networks like a pro, but job leads never materialized into an opportunity.

After he finally landed a job, he told Steve, “Man, I got so desperate, I even started praying.” The BoDeans can relate to that. They sing: “Well, I’ve never been one to pray, but I think I might try today.”

We often take the hard road, trying to solve our problems ourselves or worse, relying on others to fix things for us. Love can only go so far—our friends or partners can only keep our self-confidence afloat for so long. Things most always work out in time, but what’s harder than waiting? And if Father Time is being difficult, our belief system, regardless of how strong it once was, will begin to deteriorate unless we pray.

I’m not sure why folks consider prayer the last resort instead of the first. I guess some people think they’re bothering God with their tiny troubles. Others probably feel a bit embarrassed, since they show up for a conversation only when things get tough. Some don’t believe; some are stubborn; and I guess some just don’t know where to start.

And that’s what I love so much about this song: the guy understands that he has to try; he has to say something from the heart; and he realizes that he’s helpless without the great Helper.

As I consider my challenges, I know I am blessed. I have love; I couldn’t have a better life partner or sweeter friends. I have time; at least until God says “time’s up.” And I have hope; well, until I’m 150 days into a life challenge. Then my hope begins to wane.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8, NASB)

But what I have that sustains me is help from a really great Helper. As long as I remember—pray first, act second.

^a BoDeans, “Everyday,” from the album Still, © He and He Records, 2008.