THE PSALMS – A JOURNEY IN WORSHIP AND FAITH - August 24, 2014 – Day 29 - Psalm 29

Thunderstorms. To many people nothing evokes more fear than a storm at night that lights the sky and seems to literally rock the foundation of their home as the thunder booms. Most horror and mystery movies are set with background of a powerful storm in the dark of the night. Children and dogs often cower in fear as thunderstorms pass by. Psalm 29 is set in the midst of a thunderstorm. For those who reject Christ as Savior and Lord, there is something to fear. But to those who take refuge in Christ, the very voice of God can be heard in the storm.

Psalm 29 is a psalm of praise. How appropriate that David is praising God in a poem about a thunderstorm. David begins with praise.

Psalm 29:1-2

“Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.”

How can one praise God in the midst of the storms? David provides the simple but true answer. It is because God is right there as the storm unfolds.

Psalm 29:3
“The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters.”

As the rains fall God is over it. He is the God of Glory and He thunders in it.

Psalm 29:4-8
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

Storms are powerful and they represent the power of God. Our God is sovereign, all things are held within His power and He retains the sovereign right to break them down if necessary. Notice that it is “The voice of the LORD” which breaks the cedars. His voice makes Lebanon skip, it brings forth flames of fire, and it shakes the wilderness.

There is a great warning to those who reject Him in this life here. The power of true judgment is within His arm. His Word is true and right. The Word of God is as fearful as a thunderstorm to those will do not listen but to the true disciple of Christ, His Word heals as well.

He is God over all. He is lord of both life and death. The question is which will you choose?

Psalm 29:9
“The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

There is no more peaceful time than after a thunderstorm passes. The rain washes away dirt and causes the grass which is burnt out to become green again. I’ve seen days when after a good storm comes though it is as if God has repainted the forest green again.

Psalm 29:10
“The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.”

God is enthroned over the floods that pass through after a storm. And He is enthroned as our king for all eternity.

The next time a powerful storm passes through stop and just watch and listen as God speaks though the thunder. That is His voice you hear. If you are His, fear not for the result of the storm, though maybe will break some things down, it will bring new growth in your life. Praise God during the storm. Enjoy His peace after as you watch the world turn green again.

Psalm 29:11
“May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!”

Amen.