Following God – Even When It Seems Impossible –

Today’s devotional submitted by the Cowan Family as part of Devotionals By Us and For Us brings us to some places in our life where we need to ask the question are we living into the will of God. Thanks Cowan Family for sharing today.

Devotionals By Us and For Us

Prepared by The Cowan Family

Psalm 81

The Cowan Family

Psalm 81 begins with a joyful call to worship. God invites His people to sing, play music, and celebrate who He is. Worship is meant to be full of joy because it reminds us of God’s faithfulness. He is the God who rescued His people from slavery and carried their burdens when they could not carry them on their own.

The tone shifts as the psalm continues. God speaks with a heart that is both loving and sorrowful. He reminds His people that He rescued them, guided them, and answered them in times of trouble- yet they did not listen. The greatest pain in Psalm 81 is not punishment, but distance. When God’s people stopped listening, they missed the fullness of the life He wanted to give them.

God’s desire is clear: “If my people would only listen to me.” He longs to protect them, defeat their enemies, and satisfy them with the best blessings. Obedience is not about control; it is about trust. God knows the path that leads to peace and freedom.

This psalm invites us to pause and ask an honest question: Am I listening to God’s voice? It is easy to celebrate God with songs, yet much harder to follow Him with our choices. God is not distant or silent- He is still speaking through His Word, guiding us with love.

When we listen and obey, we experience the life God intends for us. He promises strength, provision, and care. May we be a people who worship with joy and listen with willing hearts, trusting that God’s way is always for our good.

Prayer

Faithful God,

We thank You for being our rescuer and provider. You have carried our burdens, heard our cries, and shown us Your love again and again. We praise You for Your faithfulness and for the joy that comes from worshiping You.

Help us to listen to Your voice. Forgive us for the times we have ignored Your guidance or chosen our own way instead of trusting You. Open our hearts and our ears so we can hear what You are teaching us through Your Word.

Thank you for wanting what is best for us and for promising to care for us. Help us follow You each day, trusting that You will lead us and provide for us in every situation. – Amen