If my people would only listen to me

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Bern Leckie:

What did I like about today’s passage?

I loved listening to today’s Psalms. I’d highly recommend clicking the “listen” link rather than just reading, as there’s a noticeable turning point halfway through this selection which jumps out from the recording perhaps more than it does from the page.

It’s a move from darkness to light, the desperation of needing God to the joy of celebrating his presence, going from not knowing what to do to having a sense of certainty. It’s joyous!

What made the difference? To be fair, I don’t think these Psalms are ordered to tell a story, but there is still a character who jumps out as Very Important: “the man at [God’s] right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself.” (Psalm 80:17). Hi, Jesus!

What difference does he make? He brings revival, but of what? Not just having a good, peaceful time. The Psalmist is looking at a renewal of relationship between people and God, a time when “we will not turn away… we will call on [God’s] name” and “be saved.”

I love that Psalm 81 carries such joy, it’s as if this prayer and longing for a saviour has been answered. And yet, there is still a reminder of how important it is to remember God as a rescuer, to have no other gods and to listen to God, keeping on listening. It makes all the difference.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God wants people to choose to listen to him so that he can guide. There is an alternative – God lets us develop “stubborn hearts” so we can follow our own guidance instead. But God has good things we cannot know unless we decide to listen and prefer his guidance over our own.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

I still need to spend more time listening to God. I will do that this week, in prayer and while reading and listening to more of the Bible.

Who am I going to share this with?

My family and others I follow Jesus with.