How does Psalm 81:11 highlight the consequences of ignoring God's voice today? Setting the Scene Psalm 81 is a divine courtroom drama. God reminds Israel of His rescue from Egypt (vv. 6-7) and offers fresh blessing (v. 10). Then comes the heartbreaking turn: “ ‘But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me.’ ” (Psalm 81:11) What Ignoring God Looked Like Then • Selective hearing—welcoming God’s deliverance but resisting His commands • Idolatry—turning to foreign gods for security (v. 9) • Stubborn hearts—choosing autonomy over covenant loyalty (v. 12) Consequences in the Psalm • Withdrawal of divine protection: “So I gave them up to their stubborn hearts” (v. 12) • Missed provision: “Oh, that My people would listen to Me… I would feed you with the finest wheat” (vv. 13, 16) • Vulnerability to enemies (v. 14) Translating Those Consequences to Today 1. Spiritual dryness – Like Israel forfeiting “honey from the rock” (v. 16), we miss the sweetness of close fellowship (John 15:4-6). 2. Moral confusion – When God lets people “follow their own counsel” (Psalm 81:12), Romans 1:24-25 shows the slide into distorted thinking. 3. Loss of peace and security – Isaiah 48:18 ties listening to God with “peace like a river.” Ignoring Him invites anxiety and fear. 4. Divine discipline – Hebrews 12:25 warns: “See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks.” God loves enough to correct (Hebrews 12:6). 5. Missed mission opportunities – Disobedience muffles our witness (Matthew 5:13). Israel’s calling to bless nations stalled when they tuned God out. Why God Still Speaks—and How • Scripture: the unchanging, inerrant voice (2 Timothy 3:16) • Holy Spirit: guiding into all truth (John 16:13) • Circumstances and counsel: God aligns events and godly voices with His Word (Proverbs 11:14) Practical Responses • Daily Bible intake—listen before speaking (James 1:19-21) • Immediate obedience—small steps keep hearts soft (Hebrews 3:15) • Corporate worship—sing Truth together as Psalm 81 invites (v. 1) • Confession—clear the static so His voice is heard (1 John 1:9) Bottom Line Psalm 81:11 is a sober reminder: the stakes of shrugging off God’s voice are real—loss of intimacy, protection, and purpose. Yet the same passage hints at hope: “If only My people would listen…” (v. 13). Today, attentive hearts can still experience the fullness God longs to give. |
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