Psalm 29

I remember sitting on a balcony some years ago watching a storm rise up over the Gulf of Mexico. It was exhilarating, but also a reminder that we cannot control the weather.  I still remember feeling the gentle breeze on my face that would eventually become so strong that I needed to head indoors. Yes, the thunder roared, the lightening flashed, and the rain came in great abundance. We were grateful for  shelter.     

 

The psalmist in Psalm 29 encourages us to see God in all this uncontrollable glory, in the flashes of fire and the mighty wind that shakes the wilderness with power and majesty. In all of that, there God is. If you find yourself in a storm today, take heart. Perhaps, like Elijah, God is coaxing us out of our fear filled caves and into this wild world. 

 

"Ascribe to God, O heavenly beings, 

ascribe to God glory and strength. 

 

Ascribe to God the glory of God's name; 

worship God in holy splendor. 

  

The voice of God is over the waters: 

the God of Glory thunders,

 God, over might mighty waters. 

 

The voice of God is powerful; 

the voice of God is full of majesty. 

The voice of God flashes forth 

in flames of fire.   

 

The voice of God shakes the wilderness; 

God shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 

 

The voice of God causes the oaks to 

whirl, and strips the forest bare; 

and in God's temple all say, 

'Glory!' 

 

God sits enthroned over the flood, 

God sits enthroned as ruler forever. 

 

May God give strength to the people!

May God bless the people with peace!"  

 

Psalm 29:1-4, 7-11

New Century Psalter