Psalm 81:13 "Oh that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths."
In Psalm 81, God is wishing his people would just follow him and obey him. For their sake, he wants his people, the Israelites to finally leave their pagan gods and ways, and follow their father.
There are so many times as a dad, I desperately want my children to listen to me and follow me. Whether I'm teaching them to swim, talking to them about "stranger danger" or the importance of saving your money, I want them to listen to their dear old dad. As their dad, I know better. I know what's best for them. I know some stuff that can keep them from harm or failure in the future. I know that angst as a dad. And I believe that's the emotion represented here in Psalm 81. I can see the look on God's face as he says, "Just this once, please listen to me. I'm begging you, just listen and obey." Can I do that today? Am I willing to listen and obey?
Dear Lord, help me listen and obey all day long today. Amen.
