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“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.” Psalm 81:11-12 (ESV)

“Old MacDonald had a farm…”  You probably remember those words from childhood; I sure do. Our home is in the city, but adjacent to our property is a farm with beautiful, lush pastures. And on that farm are some of the cutest cows you’ve ever seen. Often, they graze close to the fence dividing our property. My fave thing to do is to go outside and sing to them or simply just talk to them with a Moo Moo here and Moo Moo there – I think you get the picture.  Call me crazy – it’s okay.

Last week, I got a glimpse of the cows and headed outdoors ready to serenade them. One little problem. Despite my Moo Mooing and my singing, the cows totally ignored me. The closer I got to the fence, they actually moved further away oblivious to the fact that I was there just for them.  Totally upset, I marched back in the house proclaiming, “Those cows don’t care about me at all.” Just reading those words makes me laugh now. How silly of me to be frustrated with those cows who, yes ignored me, but were obviously more concerned about eating than hearing my voice.

Sweet friends, I can’t help but wonder how God must feel when we totally ignore His voice. He’s been speaking into our lives from the moment we took our first breath. Inviting us to experience the beauty of a relationship with Him (Revelation 3:20). One of my fave verses declares, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He shall quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). Wouldn’t we just love to know what He is singing over us today? Are we even listening?

The nearness of our God isn’t dictated by our acceptance or rejection of His voice. He whispers in the dark and lonely night. He calls out in the midst of the storm. He speaks deep truths through His Word and commissions His people (Isaiah 6:8).

What if Moses had ignored the voice of God calling to him from the midst of the burning bush? What if Samuel had dismissed the voice of God calling to him in the middle of the night? What if Job had been too distracted by his circumstances to hear God’s voice (Job 38)? What if we ignore the voice of God inviting us into a deep, abiding relationship with Him? What if we allow distractions to drown out the conversation God longs to have with us?

Ignoring the voice of God is a dangerous place to land. Psalm 81 reminds us that tuning out God carries significant consequences. Choosing our voice over His will result in God giving us over to our stubborn hearts.

Let’s not be oblivious to the voice of God. Let’s listen intently and follow His lead rather than seek our way. Let’s reap the blessings found in obeying God’s voice – it’s the best place to land.

“Father, cultivate within us a heart which yearns for Your voice, a mind which remembers Your words and a soul which is forever changed by Your presence.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life