Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 29 – 5-29-20
Over the last couple of days, we have experienced some strong thunderstorms with lightning and wind. Being from Wyoming and Montana, I grew up with these kind of storms on a regular basis. However, they are not so common here in Washington. The Bible Commentary says this Psalm was written as David watched God send extreme storms over the surrounding nations of the Canaanites. It was as if David was on a mountain overlooking God’s splendor and majesty as He rained down this storm on the enemies of His people. We are blessed with very few extreme storms and often I here us commenting thankfully that we don’t live in the tornado or hurricane areas of our country.
David starts with ascribing to the Lord all the glory, honor and strength that are due the God of the universe. In comparison to the Canaanite gods, his God made them look like the handmade wood and stone idols that they really were. Oh the splendor of our God in His glory, holiness and strength. In verses 3-9, David repeats the phrase, “the voice of the Lord” seven times. Why is the voice of the Lord so important? Maybe because the gods of the Canaanites could not speak or do what God can do with just His voice. If you go back to Genesis 1, you find that God spoke the whole world and universe into being. It was by the breath of His voice that life was given and everything we have around us was made. What a difference in comparison to gods who could not speak and had no creative or sustaining power. These verses describe the devastation, fear and calamity that were part of the people who did not have God as their god. How great is it to know that we have a God that is so powerful that He can create and make everything happen according to His will. Psalm 29:4, The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.(ESV)
Psalms 29:10-11, 10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. 11 May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!(ESV) To end the Psalm David recognizes that the Lord is indeed on His throne as king forever and offers His strength and peace as a blessing to His people. During this time of storm in our lives and nation, may we never forget Who is on the throne, Who will bring us His strength and blessing as we trust in Him!
Father, thank You for being on Your throne ruling over everything that happens according to Your will and glory. You allow us to make decisions according to our will and many times the bad things that come into our lives come from rejecting You in rebellion. I truly ascribe to You all glory, honor, majesty, splendor, and strength due Your name. May I recognize the power of Your voice and Your Word to me and follow you trusting in Your blessing of strength and peace. In Jesus name amen! Pastor Rob