Psalm 81 begins with an invitation: “Sing aloud to God our strength.” It moves on to describe in God’s own voice what he had done for the sake of the children of Israel.
“I relieved your shoulder of the burden…” (81:6)
“In distress you called, and I delivered you;
I answered you in the secret place of thunder;
I tested you…” (81:7)
“I am the LORD your God,
who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” (81:10)
But the psalm is more than a rehearsal of the past. It’s a powerful reminder in the present that today is a good day to listen to God.
“Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!
O Israel, if you would but listen to me!” (81:8)
God knows more than we know. God is better than we are. His ways are infinitely higher than our ways. He sees further than we can possibly imagine. His teaching is healthy. His reproofs, rebukes, and corrections are flashing lights, warning signs, and guardrails pointing us toward life the way it was meant to be. He has revealed his will, shared his wisdom, and provided boundaries for us because he loves us with a perfect, holy love. His joy is full. Though we have so often followed in the footsteps of Abraham’s stubborn descendants…
“But my people did not listen to my voice;
Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
to follow their own counsels.” (81:11-12)
…and suffered the consequences of our foolishness, he is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, intervening for us that his joy might be in us and our joy might finally be full.
“Oh, that my people would listen to me,
that Israel would walk in my ways!” (81:13)
We live a long time after the Israelites of the Old Testament, but Psalm 81 continues to remind us: today is a good day to listen. Life is always better when we listen to God.