Psalm 81

Do you hear it? Do you hear the yearning in the voice of a loving father, of One who whose heart breaks for the welfare of his children? A patient father, ever present, whose deepest longing is that his kids would simply listen to Him, believe and heed His wisdom and flourish?

"O Israel, if you would but listen to me!" Psalm 81:8

"…with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." Psalm 81:16

Perhaps such a vision of "father" is foreign to you? Maybe you never had a father, or had one whose presence was not much of a blessing? This is an all too common reality in this life but, I assure you, all the more reason to encourage your reading of the Psalms; a book of songs, poetry, prayer, praise and lament. In the Psalms you will find a unique view into the heart of their authors and through trial, triumph and frustration, their ultimate faith in, love of, and understanding of God as "heavenly father". One who, if you would but listen… would fill and satisfy you with honey from the rock!

Our failures as people, parents and children are virtually inevitable; God declares that all of us sin and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). It's going to happen, and probably far more often than any of us would like to admit. Psalm 81 was sung during a time of celebration, following the Day of Atonement, to remind Israel of their redemption from slavery in Egypt and of God’s protection and sustenance in the wilderness, despite their failures of faith and disobedience. Despite our inevitable failure, there is good news!

"O Israel, if you would but listen to me!" Psalm 81:8

The psalm opens with a declaration of praise and a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision culminating at Meribah. This was the Israelites' 3rd time grumbling and complaining about God's provision, even after their deliverance from Egypt and two previous miracles of provision (sweetening of bitter water and manna from heaven) and, oh yeah, a pillar of cloud and fire and the parting of the Red Sea! Again, God, demonstrating a fathers love, gave both provision and instruction for His children… bringing forth water from the rock and using Moses to also guide and instruct their faith.

How quickly we forget who God is! How easily we stray from the sound of His voice and the wisdom of His word.

"…with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." Psalm 81:16

Water from the rock sounds pretty amazing. But our loving father promises more; the imagery of Psalm 81 describes "the finest of wheat" and "honey from the rock". In a day when you can grab honey from a plastic bear in your pantry that may lose a bit of its luxury, but consider the rare extravagance of honey in the desert? The Bible uses images of honey to confer abundance, prosperity, good health and honor, things a loving father would yearn for his children; things God yearns for us.

We have a heavenly father who loves us.

His heart yearns for our flourishing.

He speaks to us, provides for us and guides us.

If we will but listen to His voice.

— Scott Willhite