Read: Exodus 6-10; Psalm 25-30; Mark 4-6
As I have been reading through the Psalms it became evident to me that David had a much higher view of God than I do. There is a book that I want to read because the title intrigues me… ‘Your Jesus Is Too Safe: Outgrowing a drive-thru, feel good savior. Just the title alone makes me wonder if the Jesus I have conceptualized in my imaginations is too safe.
Today, as I read Psalm 29 I could feel the power of the God of the Old Testament. Living in south Florida has given me many opportunities to experience the awesome capabilities of nature. I love to feel the tension in the air as a storm builds on the horizon. Listening to the wind blow between the trees is like a call to attention. The sudden chill in the air is a final warning to take cover before the incredible force of a thunderstorm is unleashed. Growing up near the ocean has also given me a healthy respect for its brawn. I remember standing on the beach when hurricane Katrina was passing by in the Gulf of Mexico. The roar of the waves was almost unbearable. Sometimes when I can sense a storm is brewing I stand in silence, almost as if to show honor in the presence of royalty.
I believe it is in a moment when a storm was making its way across the land that David wrote Psalm 29. But the storm was not God, only representative of His voice. I know the devastation that a storm can bring. It’s amazing how wind can twist and shatter old, established deep rooted oak trees (vs.6-9). David even makes reference to how the loud blast of God’s voice caused animals to have their young prematurely (vs.9).
David concludes with God sitting enthroned over “the flood”. The most catastrophic, devastating, world changing event to happen outside of creation and God sits on his throne peacefully. The God that David describes is supreme over “the flood”. He makes it known that, if you serve this God, it is in His authority that one finds strength (vs.11). In Him is where a man finds peace. When seen properly, God is the only place a man can be without fear of what is going on around him. When man has a high view of God the circumstances he faces pale in comparison with the enormity of God. Psalm 29 is a depiction of a much bigger God than I can fathom.
Prayer: I repent for my low view of you. You are God, creator of heaven and earth. By your word everything came into being and is sustained. Who am I, a sinful, fragile, finite, mortal man that you are mindful of me? You are God in heaven, may I stand always in awe of you.