Good morning! I hope the sun is shining in your world today. We’ve reached a significant point in our journey through the Bible, particularly with Psalm 81:8, which many consider being the halfway mark. Today, we’ll delve into Psalms 80-84.
While some religious traditions hold differing views, most Christian denominations affirm that prophetic revelation, as written Scripture, concluded with the Apostle John’s Book of Revelation. Indeed, Revelation 22:18 states, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll” (NIV). This powerful declaration underpins the belief that the Bible is the complete and sufficient Word of God.
Certainly, charismatic preachers often speak of hearing God directly. While I extend blessings to them if they do, my experience differs. I’ve never heard an audible voice, but I’ve felt God’s presence and sensed His promptings in my heart. There have even been moments during sermons when the words flowing from my mouth were not those I had prepared. I always pray for God to edit out anything not from Him, and I’ve witnessed Him do just that.
When God Speaks
Psalm 81, however, presents a unique scenario. Here, Asaph records words coming from God Himself. Imagine, if you can, your nightly prayers: confessing sins God brings to mind, your heart heavy with unfaithfulness. Perhaps your prayers feel stagnant, unheard. You might even wonder if something unseen has come between you and God.
Then, as in verse 5: “I heard an unknown voice say:” (NIV).
How would you react? Would you fall prostrate, overwhelmed by fear, perhaps unable to utter a single word in His presence?
Asaph, in this Psalm, transcribes God’s direct address to His people. God begins by recounting His mighty acts, reminding them of His deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Psalm 81:6) and His steadfast provision and guidance through the wilderness (Psalm 81:7).
We often find comfort in reflecting on God’s past works, knowing that with Him, all things are possible. We tell ourselves not to worry about the size of our problems, but to remember the immensity of our God. And while this perspective brings solace, God then has more to say:
“Hear me, my people, and I will warn you—if you would only listen to me, Israel!” (Psalm 81:8).
The Choice to Listen
Right there, in the very middle of our Bible, God issues a stark warning: we haven’t been listening. His voice isn’t absent; rather, our perception of it is. We’ve surrounded ourselves with so much noise that we don’t hear Him. I say “don’t hear Him,” not “can’t hear Him,” because it’s a choice—much like how we sometimes tune out our spouse or even our children.
This stems from idolatry. God reminds His people of His fundamental decree: “You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not worship any god other than me” (Psalm 81:9, NIV). He knows we’ve drifted so far that He needs to introduce Himself: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt” (Psalm 81:10). Without this clarity, we might even doubt if it’s God speaking.
How often do we do this ourselves? We sense God speaking to our hearts, guiding us on a life path, or through an important decision. Yet, we hesitate, doubting: “Is that really God, or just my own desires?” More often, a clear prompting comes, but fear holds us back, because we question if it was God’s voice telling us to move.
I experience this hesitation when I feel prompted to share my testimony, or whenever I consider preaching. I fear I won’t have all the answers, or that I’ll say something wrong. Perhaps, I think, it’s better to remain silent.
But then I recall the psalmist’s words, God’s direct assurance: “Open wide your mouth and I will fill it” (Psalm 81:10). He promises to give us the words to speak, yet when the moment arises, our mouths go dry, and we are speechless.
The Consequences of Disobedience
God continues His lament: “But my people would not listen to me” (Psalm 81:11). While He spoke to Israel in their time, this applies to all His people, including His adopted children. We often know what He desires, yet we feign ignorance, saying, “I’m not sure what God wants me to do.” Instead of listening, we stick our fingers in our ears, hoping to avoid culpability for ignoring His commands.
There are two primary consequences to our actions. First, “So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices” (Psalm 81:12; see also Romans 1:24). If we refuse to listen, God will shift His attention to those who will. Though infinitely capable, God, in His wisdom, doesn’t strive with those who refuse to heed His counsel.
The genuine tragedy is that while He permits us to pursue our own desires—knowing they often lead to sin, sickness, and sorrow—He also withholds the good things He intended for us. “If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!” (Psalm 81:13-14, NIV).
Our lives could be better, filled with untold blessings, if only we would open our ears! God possesses both the capacity and the desire to do so much more for us.
Have you ever wanted to give something wonderful to a child, but their behavior prompted you to reconsider? I remember times my son acted up, and I’d think, “I was going to get you that treat, but if you’re going to be so disrespectful, forget it!” God is a just God; He will not reward our disobedience. We should be thankful for his mercy and leniency.
Given God’s nature and capacity, along with the profound words of Psalm 81, the question we should ask ourselves is: What are we cheating ourselves out of by not listening? Even the comforting assurance of knowing we are hearing His voice is a blessing we forgo. If only we would listen!
