Sunday, January 29, 2012

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 29

We went to the circus yesterday with our kids and grandkids. It was awesome!

One of the acts was two really big guys from Mongolia (for ease of story telling let's call them Max and Rex.) They had gigantic muscles. We could tell they were strong as soon as they walked out into the arena. Their tank tops showed off their massive arms. Their gladiator style skirts (made out of metal) showed their herculean leg muscles. And trust me, Max and Rex don't have to worry about anyone making fun of them for wearing a skirt.
After them came a couple of guys leading in an elephant who was dragging two huge poles. Max and Rex picked up the poles and strapped them together with a big heavy chain to make a giant X. At each end of the X, hanging by more heavy chain, was a swing made out of a log. Max and Rex picked up the logs, four circus girls (we won't bother giving them names) climbed on to the swings and then Max and Rex spun around and took the four nameless girls on a ride. It didn't even look like they broke a sweat! Wow! Max and Rex are two really strong guys!

What does this story have to do with Psalm 29? It's easy to see that Max and Rex are strong. Their muscles bulge out even when they aren't lifting anything. David, the psalmist, is letting us see something that may not be as obvious as bulging muscles, but is certainly more powerful than Max and Rex.

"Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength."

God's power is so awesome He only has to speak!

The voice of the LORD is powerful, majestic, break the cedars of Lebanon (giant trees), hews out flames of fire, shakes the wilderness and more. JUST HIS VOICE! Wow!

Think of the power of the ocean, of floods and raging rivers, of hurricanes, tornadoes and storms. 3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters ; The God of glory thunders, The LORD is over many waters.
10 The LORD sat as King at the flood (referring to the great flood of Noah's day.)

David has painted a wonderful picture of God's glory and power. And He givese strength to His people. How will knowing this change how you live your life this week?

1 comment:

Phyllis Hobson said...

You forgot earthquakes! When I read verse 6 in the Message "The mountain ranges skip like spring colts, The high ridges jump like wild kid goats." I thought of earthquakes (but that's probably due in large part because I grew up in California, never worried about tornadoes....). Anyway, this Psalm did make me reflect on God's awesome power. I remember one person who worked downtown Clarksville during the time the tornado came through mentioning that in his building, there was straw imbedded in bricks, where it had been thrown by the wind at such a high rate of speed. What a visual. Yet, at the end of it all, "God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace."