What is at the centre of the book of Psalms? There are 5 books in the book of Psalms, so the middle book is book 3, and the middle of book 3 is Psalm 81 and the middle of Psalm 81 is verse 8:
“Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!
O Israel, if you would but listen to me.”
At the centre of the book of Psalms is a call to listen! God knows us so well. He knows our hearts do not naturally listen to him. By nature, we doubt His Word, question if His Word is good, wonder if it’s out of date. And all the while He is saying things like:
“Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” (Psalm 81:10b)
Remember how after the LORD rescued His people from being slaves in Egypt they grumbled when they had no bread, no water. Here God reminds them of how He filled their mouths. But even with this, they would not listen (v11) and said offensive things like “we wish we were back in Egypt.”
So we hear the tragedy that God gave them over to their stubborn hearts.
Look at the heart of God in the heart of the Psalms, God says “O that my people would listen to me” (v13).
Why does God want people to listen? So that He can satisfy them. He knows, as Augustine discovered, that our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Him.
What would you do with such stubborn people? We would give up, not God, He gave His Son. His Son, who according to our reading from Hebrews 9 tells us gave his own blood to secure our eternal redemption. Jesus can purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:14). And what happens when we muck up again and don’t listen again?
He appears in the presence of God on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24). For every single time we sin, Jesus is there, pleading our case, “Father, Nick didn’t listen to you today, but I’ve died for Him, accept my sacrifice on his behalf.”
What a saviour! Well where is your heart today? Are you longing for things of this world (to be back in Egypt), or longing for Christ’s appearing? (Hebrews 9:28). Jesus will return to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Are you listening?
Heavenly Father, I am sorry that I so often don’t listen to you. Forgive my foolishness in not trusting you and thinking I know better. Thank you for our Lord Jesus who speaks in our defence. Please help me to listen to you, to know that your ways are best. Lord, help me not to long for the things of this world but for the return of Jesus. Amen
Light and Momentary Troubles 
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