Why Aren’t We Listening?
The Gateway to Satisfaction
I had a conversation the other day with a brother in Christ. We were talking about blessings—how Israel received them, and how we receive them today. We both paused and asked, “Why didn’t Israel just listen?”
Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of something He whispered to me years ago:
“You are Israel.”
We are not so different.
We don’t listen to God because we don’t read His Word.
And since we don’t read, we don’t submit.
Instead, we drift—careless, anxious, numb—chasing the world’s rhythm while ignoring the Voice that satisfies.
It’s a tragedy.
God longs to give us the finest wheat and honey from the rock—a full and abundant life.
But we miss it.
The Secret Is Listening
Psalm 81 gives us the key:
“But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” (v.16)
Not performance.
Not striving.
Not even sacrifice.
Listening.
Not so God can use you.
Not so God can control you.
But so God can bless you.
He’s saying to Israel—and to us:
“I have more for you. I want to satisfy you.”
How Did God Speak to Them?
Through His Law (Torah)
God spoke clearly through commands given to Moses. Psalm 81 echoes Exodus:
“You shall have no foreign god among you.” (v.9)Through Prophets
Messengers like Moses, Samuel, and Elijah delivered His Word with divine clarity.Through Creation and Nature
Verse 3 mentions the blowing of trumpets at the New Moon—a rhythm of worship tied to natural cycles. God spoke in fire, moved in clouds, and aligned calendars.
“The heavens declare the glory of God…” (Psalm 19:1)Through Covenant History
He reminded them of what He had done:“I removed the burden from their shoulders.” (v.6)
The opportunities to listen were everywhere.
So why didn’t they?
Why Didn’t They Listen?
Stubbornness
“So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts…” (v.12)
We live in a “my way or the highway” generation.Spiritual Deafness
They heard—but didn’t submit.
Like my toddler, they chose independence over intimacy.We live in a “follow your heart” culture—
but hearts not rooted in truth lead people off cliffs.
This spiritual deafness is feeding the highest suicide rates the world has ever seen among teens.Idolatry
“You shall have no foreign god among you.” (v.9)
Their stubborn, deaf hearts longed for gods that affirmed appetites—not a God who required surrender.
How Does God Speak Today?
“In the past God spoke… through the prophets… but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.”
— Hebrews 1:1–2
1. Jesus — The Living Word
Everything God wants to say is found in Christ.
We have free access—yet we ignore it.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
2. The Holy Spirit
“My sheep listen to my voice…” (John 10:27)
He convicts, guides, comforts, and teaches.
3. Scripture — The Written Word
“The Word of God is living and active…” (Hebrews 4:12)
“All Scripture is God-breathed…” (2 Timothy 3:16)
4. Creation
“The heavens declare the glory of God…” (Psalm 19:1)
5. People
Sermons, encouragement, prophecy, and wisdom.
Not the same as Old Testament prophets—but the Holy Spirit still prompts believers today.
6. Circumstances
Closed doors. Divine delays. Unexpected blessings. Traffic jams. Detours.
7. Suffering
Where whispers become megaphones.
As C.S. Lewis said:
“Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
So… Why Aren’t We Listening?
We’re like Israel.
The noise.
The hurry.
The comfort.
The control.
The unbelief.
They fuel our hearts—and that heart pumps prideful blood into every step, leading us down mindless paths labeled success and happiness.
But they don’t satisfy.
Only God does.
Never Finished Challenge
You won’t listen unless you invest time.
You won’t invest time unless you understand why.
You won’t understand why unless you pause long enough to ask.
So here’s your why:
Are you tired of falling short?
Stuck in the same sin?
Lonely? Depressed? Anxious?
Ask God for help.
And then keep showing up:
In the Word:
Read the Bible daily. Ask God to make you a reader. He will.With Jesus:
Reflect on His life. Ask, What would Jesus do? But also give yourself grace—transformation is a journey.By the Spirit:
“Is this the Holy Spirit or my own voice?” If it aligns with Scripture, take the step. Unsure? Ask trusted believers.Through People:
Go to church. Join community. Let God speak through others.In Creation:
Get outside. No phone. No agenda. Listen.Through Circumstances:
Let delays be divine. Ask, What is God doing here?In Suffering:
Instead of asking, “God, get me out of this,” ask, “God, what can You teach me in this?”
God Is Not Silent
We’re just not still.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
Psalm 81 reminds us:
Listening is the gateway to satisfaction.
When we pause, tune our ears, and surrender…
we taste the honey from the rock.
And that rock is Jesus.
What Does Today Say About God?
Speak.
God speaks.
In many ways.
There’s no shortage of invitation into His presence.
Into transformation.
Into a life that satisfies no matter the circumstance.
What a King.
What a Friend.
What a Father.
Thank You, Jesus.