All Cry “Glory!”
Opening Prayer
Great God, my Father, I give all my praise and worship to You. You alone are worthy of it.
Read Psalm 29:1-11
[1]A psalm of David. Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. [2] Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. [3] The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. [4] The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. [5] The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. [6] He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. [7] The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning. [8] The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. [9] The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” [10] The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. [11] The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What characteristics of the Lord do you find here?This psalm reminds me of the place in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe when the children learn that Aslan is a lion, and they express their misgivings: Is the lion safe? “‘Safe”? said Mr. Beaver; … Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the king, I tell you.'” I’m pretty comfortable with the concept of having a personal relationship with a loving, saving God–Jesus, the Good Shepherd (see John 10). I can even cope with the idea of him being a majestic, holy King, enthroned forever (10). What is a little more challenging is the thought of his voice being a destructive force so cataclysmic it makes me think of a nuclear bomb: it breaks cedars, shakes the desert, twists oaks and strips forests bare! It’s just not safe. But praise God that he is truly good. David starts the psalm with the words “ascribe” and “worship.” He calls all believers to admit and proclaim that glory and strength belong to God, and ends by reminding us that God is the source of strength, peace and blessing. That we can be sure of.
Apply
Find someone with whom you can discuss the diverse aspects of God and pray about any that you find challenging.
Closing prayer
Lord God, what a great and wonderful God You are! Give me an even greater appreciation for Your divine character.
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