Psalm 29 - The LORD gives strength

Psalm 29 celebrates the LORD’s power over all creation. We live in a culture where God’s name is often ‘taken in vain’. It is taken in vain when people who do not believe use it as a throw away swear word. It is also taken in vain when religious people use it casually, or presumptuously, tagging it on to their own plans or agendas. 

In this Psalm David mentions the LORD’s name 18 times. David looks around him, he looks to the north (Lebanon, vs 5), he looks south (Kadesh, vs 8), he looks out to sea (vs 3), and there he sees evidences of God’s glory and of His strength.

Psalm 28 began with the troubling question of why at times God seems silent. This Psalm celebrates that fact that God speaks (His ‘voice’ is referred to 7 times). However the faith expressed in this Psalm is not cliched or trite. David affirms that the LORD does ‘sit enthroned’ (vs 10) and that He is ‘King forever’ (vs 10). In the Bible images often have symbolic significance. In the Bible the ‘sea’ is often used as an image of chaos, something big and unruly that is beyond human control. 

One day when we are home in a new creation there will no longer be any sea (Revelation21 vs 1). There will be no more chaotic forces at play, no more ‘storms’. But for now there is sea, there are storms. This doesn’t deny that the LORD is King, but it does mean we need to see through the storms, through the raging oceans to hear the voice of the One who is able to say ‘Quiet! Be Still!’ (Mark 4 vs 39), and who across the raging waters comes to us and says ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ (Mark 6 vs 50).

Prayer: Lord Jesus you calmed the storm and walked upon the waters. Help me to listen to your voice though many storms rage all around. Keep me steady this week I pray. In Jesus’ Name. Amen