“In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Hear me, my people, and I will warn you— if you would only listen to me, Israel!” (81:7-8‬)

How often do we wail, cry and plead for God to save us, and then ignore His Word? I think it’s time we are honest with ourselves.

We are people of the New Covenant. Our salvation is certain, in Christ. We will live, even when we die. This is an incredible promise.

The problem is right now. Right now our freedom makes us crazy as we navigate life, having tossed the law aside. We groan that our stomachs hurt, as we eat and drink things He directed His people not to eat and drink. We are anxious about the crushing debt He forbade His people from subjecting themselves to. We die from diseases He taught us to prevent through His basic laws of hygiene. Yes, our freedom in Christ may include eternal life, but what kind of life on earth will we inherit by ignoring His earthly designs?

Has your daily question before the Lord already been answered? Are we mad that something He hates has happened to us? Am I listening?

Thankfully, He is full of mercy and He answers us in our distress. He knows our frailty, which is why He faithfully warns us and why He faithfully forgives us.

Consider His good laws. Consider how He Shepherds. Has He said something to you, personally? A promise? A directive?

The Hebrew word for listening includes the action of obedience. This is where we find the foundation of faith.

Take time to listen and obey.

-Bethany