Three times in Psalm 81, Asaph highlights the Israelites' failure to listen to God (v. 8, 11, 13), even though God listens to them, hearing their distress and coming to their rescue (v. 6-7).
Lord, it is amazing that you take time to listen to our prayers. Let these wonderful truths sink into our hearts: You care for us. You take time for us. You are always available for us. You listen to us. You hear us. You see us. You know us. You love us.
We repent of not heeding your Word, not listening to your voice, and not even taking the time to seek you and give you our attention. We repent of following our own counsels rather than submitting to your gracious and wise guidance. We repent of seeking first our kingdom rather than yours, and pursuing self-righteousness instead of true righteousness.
Despite our rebellion, you still want us, Lord. And you still want to bless us. You still want to rescue us from our enemies. You still want to provide for us our every need. You say: "Oh, that my people would listen to me!" (v. 13). And: "[I] would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." (v. 16). Help us, O Lord, to turn back to you; to leave behind our sin; to listen to you and seek you. O Lord, grant that we might be satisfied in your provision, in your love, and in you. You are our joy, our life, and our everything! We praise you and pray these things in Jesus' name, amen.
