Psalm 81

Parenting.

The experience is universal, and God, our Father, understands our frustrations. God loves His children. We love our children. God wants to give gifts, to protect, to provide a place where His children will thrive. So do we. Although the specifics differ, the parental sentiments of Psalm 81 could be spoken by any of us.

Vss 1-7 is like an overture. It starts with a call to a musical celebration for the care that God has given His people, for the fact that He heard their cries for help and freed them from the bondage of Egypt. (Ever notice how often the Exodus is referenced throughout the Old Testament? It was a massive undertaking, and its huge-ness only emphasizes the greatness of God)

Vss 8-10 Now, God reminds them that it was He Who provided this impossible salvation, and He tells them in remembering, to be sure not to worship gods from other cultures. They don't need to "try out" other gods to fill out their worship experience, to be balanced in their lives. God warns them not to be deceived and that doing so would be futile. Only True God will provide what they need. In fact, He will fill them with all things Good.

Vss 11-12 But, no. They're stubborn children. They want to do things their way. Parents are old-fashioned. They aren't relevant. They don't understand. "God gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices."

Vss 13-16 And along with that "giving in," that "letting them go ahead and try it their way" is the pain in the parent's heart knowing that the child is only going to fall. "If my people would but listen to me…." And how often have we parents said that?

How quickly would we protect them from inevitable hurt. How surely would we "take care of" the people or things that were bad, and then give our children "the finest of wheat and honey from the rock"-- A hug, an "I'll always love you" and a double scoop ice cream cone.

God has reminded us of His Perfect and Complete care for His children. May we remind our children that the care we give them is only a representation of the care God has for us. May we teach our children of the greatness of our God, and pray that He will preserve their hearts for Him, and Him alone.