There have been a mini-string of Psalms composed by Asaph that seem to have a couple of things in common. The first is, they’re quite vocal about the apparent absence of God to the cries of his people. In Psalm 77, as Simon so eloquently stated, they’re “back in the poo,” yet remembering God’s acts in the past. Psalm 78, Asaph is leading the plea to God to return to them. By the time Psalm 79 is composed, they’re calling out to God who appears to be “out to lunch” (another apt Simon comment). Psalm 80? “Where have you gone, God? Why have you deserted us?”
Perhaps this is reflective of a worsening situation historically and these few Psalms reflect their personal expression and sentiment during that time. If these Psalms were all I had to go on, then that would be an inference I’d likely make.
The second is that Asaph seems predisposed to recounting Israel’s earlier history when God made them a triumphant nation. Although they’re in a tribulation, they draw strength from their past in remembering when God acted, and how he acted. They believe in the consistency of God’s character that he’ll do it again.
What is surprising about Psalm 81 is you get to hear God speak (verses 6-16). We’re so used to the Psalms being the voice of the people to God that hearing God speak back is unusual.
In short, Asaph has been saying, “Where are you God? Why aren’t you listening?” And God essentially replies, “Why is it that my people do not listen to me?”
I find that the thing I have to work at the most is stopping in the midst of life and listening first. If I have a problem – do I stop and ask God? If someone is sick, do I stop and ask God what he wants to do? What is the source of the sickness? If something is frustrating me, do I step back and ask God what’s going on?
This may sound a little like “Should I eat corn flakes or wheat-bix for breakfast, God?” That’s not what I’m advocating. But I see frequently in Scripture this plea from God for his people to listen.
Two ears and one mouth: you’ve probably heard it said that we were given two and one respectively because that is how we’re supposed to use them. I think that if many of us got to even 50/50, we’d be doing well! Why is it that so often with God our conversation becomes a monologue, and it’s not God who’s doing all the talking?
Everyone I’m sure has been subject to a one-ended conversation where you’re at the receiving end and not only do you never get to respond, you find it incredibly difficult even to find a gap to make a graceful exit! If we find that provokes in us a range of emotions from mildly irritating to perceiving it as down-right rude, how do you think God views it when we behave the same way with him?
I’m not suggesting either, that all our problems are because we’re not listening. But I’m sure we could be a great deal better off if we improved in this area. What’s more, listening to God comes with great promises. Just go back, for example. and read what he finishes up with in verses 13-16 in this Psalm.
Not all problems arise because we don’t listen. There are a multitude of reasons for the vast array of trials and circumstances we find ourselves in. But I’m sure that through it all, turning to God and listening would go a long way to helping us through so many of them, and even, perhaps, resolving them without the difficulties or struggles we normally expect?
– Douglas Smythe