Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 29

I try and spend as much time as I can outside. I am convinced that one of the problems with people today is that they spend too much time inside. If you think about, what is inside that is part of God’s creation? Other than the air we breathe, our homes and offices are mostly filled with man-made items. Even the environment is man-controlled. We push buttons and control temperature and lighting. We need reminders of who God is and short of His Word, there is no greater revelation of God than we see in the creation. Psalm 29 finds David ascribing glory to God through the creation.

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.

Far too many people fear nature. Storms invoke fear into their hearts. But David knew God has each and every aspect of nature, completely under His control.

Psalm 29:3-8
The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters.  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.

Life and death are in the hands of God; even for the animals.

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!”

Notice that it is “The voice of the Lord” that controls nature. God speaks and the world moves. Man has to work hard to build something. But God merely speaks to create. God speaks and the deer give birth.

The point here is that God is worthy of all our praise and we must ascribe to Him the glory for all good things. But even the great flood that wiped out everyone except Noah and his family, were under God’s hand.

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

God is sovereign. We can find peace only through trusting in Him, no matter the power of the storms.

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

Take time today to get out and spend time observing God’s wonderful creation. Yea, I know; it’s hot out. But remember that God has His hand on the thermostat. Trust in Him. Lift up your hands and ascribe Him the glory He deserves.