Scripture Memory Verse 5

The scripture I have chosen to memorize over the next two weeks is Psalms 81:6-16. This verse has very special meaning to me: years ago the Lord directed me to this scripture during a therapy session (yes...of which I have had many). This particular time He literally etched this verse across my forehead as my therapist and I prayed together. It was like God was speaking directly to my heart when He says, "open your mouth wide and I will fill it..."
How often I look to other things to fill me up. I have danced with and entertained and loved on so many other idols only to find them empty and unsatisfying. But the Lord (the ONLY TRUE GOD) beckons us to listen to Him, to sit at His feet, and to receive the soul's true satisfaction. Every other means of fulfillment is temporary, unsustaining. But in God, we have an everlasting fat-filled feast. True nourishment that takes root in our hearts and feeds our spirits. I praise the Lord because He says:

"I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket.
In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered you out of a thundercloud;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah
Hear, O my people, and I will warn you— if you would but listen to me, O Israel!
You shall have no foreign god among you; you shall not bow down to an alien god.

I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.
But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.

If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways,
how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!
Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever.
But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."

~Psalms 81:6-16 (NIV)

Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness to us. Even though we have pursued other idols like they are going out of style, I thank You for welcoming us back to Your arms. Thank You for promising to destroy our enemies if we would just submit to You. How difficult that is at times, Lord. I become so convinced that what I really want is to satisfy my flesh.....but You whisper to me (and You sometimes shout!) that if I would simply listen to You, then you will turn Your hand against my foes. And not only that, Father, you promise that You will feed me with the finest.....and that You will satisfy me. Cause this heart to swell with belief, Lord. I want to be one of those who opens her mouth eagerly for you. Turn my eyes from worthless things - and may you open my eyes to any area of deceit in my life. Idols won't cut it, Lord. Idols in any shape or form can never give me what only You can. Everlasting life.....and everlasting fulfillment.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ,
AMEN