We have all tasted the metaphorical “storms of life” in the past [e.g. hardships, challenges, financial trouble, severed relationships, etc.], we may be living in a stormy season in the present, and in the future there will likely be more storms. These challenges are inevitable in a fallen world, but we do not face them alone. God is with us and he will use them to build us stronger in faith and character.
Some times these storms are brought on by our own choices. If we desire to walk in obedience to God, we may face a storm. If we are disobedience to God, we may face a storm. Life storms nudge people to turn to God for salvation and become more dependent upon him for help. So, what the enemy meant for our harm, God uses for good.
In our passage today, David calls us to worship our sovereign Lord; we must recognize his supreme power over all creation. He is our Voice of Truth and our Refuge in the storm. Understanding God’s strength is what we need most and brings us peace even though the circumstances may be difficult. David reminds us God’s power is displayed gloriously through the storms of life.
Psalm 29 NLT A psalm of David.
1
Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings[a];
honor the Lord for his glory and strength.
2
Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
3
The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
The God of glory thunders.
The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
4
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
5
The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;
the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
6
He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;
he makes Mount Hermon[b] leap like a young wild ox.
7
The voice of the Lord strikes
with bolts of lightning.
8
The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9
The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks[c]
and strips the forests bare.
In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”
10
The Lord rules over the floodwaters.
The Lord reigns as king forever.
11
The Lord gives his people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace.
Prayer: Lord, you rule and reign in this world and in our hearts. So whatever storms life may bring we never have to fear, because you are with us. Your power is made perfect in our weakness, so we simply have to humble ourselves and ask. You have promised to make us more like Jesus, so we know you will use every stormy challenge to grow us in your holy character. Thank you for being our Source of peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.