Psalm 81

 “Sing aloud to God!” This is the Lord's call to His people throughout the ages. The suffering servants of God hear that call, and ask for strength to keep on going. Heartfelt praise is the best prescription for us in our weakness, for the joy of the Lord is our strength. But the Lord Himself must help us from heaven, lest we simply drag our weary hearts through the motions of pretended praise.

Not only is the joy of the Lord our strength, but God Himself, who visits us in our distress, is strength for us in person. “Come quickly, Lord!”

God has made a decree. He will deliver His people from every trouble. He brought them out of bondage. He led them through the wilderness. He gave them the Land according to His promise. We may be overwhelmed by the present moment, but if we consider the Lord's saving work beginning with His great promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and continuing down to the present day with millions of assemblies that call upon His Name all over the earth, we cannot help but be impressed with His faithfulness and power.

Along this amazing journey of many centuries, the Lord has tested His people. Will you be faithful today to the Lord who gave His Son for your salvation? Will you turn to Him and ask for bread from heaven and water from His chosen rock? Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? Come to God. He will lift you up.

Is there some better alternative for you than to humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and to listen to His voice? He has provision for you in His hand. Won't you receive His embrace in the cross and resurrection of His Son? He knows you and calls you by Name again today. You came to the garden of burial early in the morning wanting only to show some respect to a dead body, but you are greeted now by a living Savior and Friend. See John 20:11-18.

Some who were called by His Name have refused to listen to His voice. They have even preferred strange gods that cannot save. Even now, He is here. He bids Israel to come to Him again, as so many have, not only from the Jews, but from all the nations. He bore your griefs on the cross and carried your sorrows. See Isaiah 53:4-6. Why should you refuse to sing to Him who draws you near with love so strong and so true, a love that was willing to die for you?

There is an enemy who is against you. He urges you to stay in the grave of despair and self-pity, telling you that life is not better in the light. But Jesus extends His hand and lifts you out of that deep pit. He has a refreshing meal for you that will bring light to your eyes. He has delightful bread for you made from the finest flour. He has provided you with honey from the rock of His everlasting presence. He has what you need to satisfy the deepest longings of your soul. What are you missing today that is not in His hand?

Come. “Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!” Come with your weakness. Come with your sadness. Come with your sickness. Come with your tears. He will help you. He is able to sympathize, and His Holy Spirit will bring you, fill you, and keep you forever.