THE WORD FOR THIS WEEK IS: “Glory”.
The thought for this week is: The Glory of God.
If you are like most Oklahoman’s, you have come to appreciate the Thunderstorms that roll across our land. And, despite the fury of the storms, we understand their power and their beauty. How often have you been awakened in the night by the might clap of thunder, only to realize that the storm will be gentle and bring much needed rain and then in your comfort, go back to sleep? Mighty thunderstorms reveal God’s power and glory in a most dramatic way. They allow us to sense the presence of God. How do you respond when you feel him near?
King David must have liked thunderstorms as well. As we read Psalm 29, we can imagine David watching a big storm form out over the sea to the west of his palace. He saw the black rolling clouds and streaks of lightning as the storm moved closer. When lightning struck around him and the thunder shook the palace, David then sung “The God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters” (Psalm 29:3).
Begin by reading Psalm 29. This Psalm is a Psalm of worship and would have been publicly recited in the worship of God by Israel. How does this compare with our own approach or response to worship songs on any given Sunday morning? Certainly, David wanted the people of God to give praise for ruling over storms.
Psalm 29 was a direct put-down of the Canaanite god Baal who was worshiped as the god of thunder and rain. David wanted God’s people to understand that the Lord was the one in charge of storms, not the gods of the Canaanites. This too is a great parallel to the storms of life. When we are in one, we usually ask God to end the storm or to remove us from the storm. In Psalm 29, David refers to “the voice of God” seven times. How can we hear the voice of the God of glory in the storms of life?
Pray through the following Scripture and strive to memorize Psalm 29: 1-2,
“Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.”
Prayer: Father in heaven, you are truly a God of Glory. We see your mighty power in the thunderstorm and we seek your refuge in the storms of life. We ascribe to you the glory that is due your name and thank you for your wisdom and strength in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
By Rory Barneche