Psalm 29

Every now and then (and honestly, more often than I’d like), I ‘reset’ my body and brain.

This is done, first, with a good dose of cardio. 20-30 minutes minimum of either shadow boxing, heavy bag boxing and/or speed walking… and (preferably) immediately followed by Scripture reading and writing; A little less controlled than I think I ought to be, but writing with ‘unloading’ the brain in mind. Well, okay, not necessarily ‘unloading’ more than just letting thoughts flow in and out. Thinking in tongues, maybe?

So I just finished a killer hour’s worth of speed walking (which instantly covers the daily personal requirement of 10000 steps a day)… and now, as it is July 29, I shall go through Psalm 29.

Thank You, Lord, for the reading of Your Word.

Praise to God in His Holiness and Majesty

A Psalm of David.

Looking at how this Psalm is titled, I’m reminded of just how valuable it is to be in the presence of God. To be in His presence mean to be present in His Holiness. Likewise, His presence with us means that His Majesty is present in us and with us, right here, and right now.

If we dwell in this Truth long enough, we shouldn’t be surprised if we find ourselves giving thanks, once again, to Jesus – For it is by His finished work that this is all possible and conceivable in the first place. Yes, through Christ’s birth, death, resurrection and ascension, we have not only been reconciled to God and are therefore brought into His presence… We’re also brought into His Holiness, and His Majesty.

It’s a truth so amazing, in fact, that not only are we brought to worship, but, as David writes, we also encourage others around us to give Him glory.

1 Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, Give unto the LORD glory and strength.

2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Right now, the endorphins of the workout are still in effect, but I just have to say, it is quite the privilege and the opportunity, not merely to give glory to God as He deserves, but to worship Him in the midst of His presence, knowing we are with Him here and He is with us now, in the beauty and majesty of His holiness.

Previously I wrote on how the love of God is the presence of God; Well, I’m reminded here that His presence is not without majesty and holiness. It is a grand presence, sure as God’s love is perfect and everlasting.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The LORD is over many waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars, Yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes them also skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth, And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”

It’s already so overwhelming for us to realize and to internalize God’s grand presence and His everlasting love. Consequently, it’s so deeply humbling for us to know that in His presence, we are heard; and, more than God hearing us, He is a Father that genuinely listens to us.

But in addition to this, behold – or, rather, hear Him; His voice is majestic. His voice is overwhelmingly powerful, yet gentle and humble; His voice shakes foundations, but at the same time is as precise to divide fire. It’s as if to say that the voice of the Lord is a combined celebration of His being with us, and His hearing us.

Here I’m reminded that the Lord truly doesn’t stop at being with us, but He listens to us… and He doesn’t stop at being present with us and hearing us, but He speaks to us as well.

And it isn’t merely in the form of a ‘still, small voice’ as Americanized Christianity would have us expect… no, God’s voice comes in power, and in gentleness; It is both overwhelming, and humbling; It is heard with authority and with strength – not merely ‘voice’ as we hear it, God speaks to us, and our (renewed) spirit discerns it.

10 The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood, And the LORD sits as King forever.

11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.

And for us to behold all of this, eventually leads us, once again, to giving thanks to Christ; for all He has done, for all He is doing, and for all He will do. We glorify Him, for He is seated at God’s right hand. He is the strength of our heart and our portion forever. He is our Prince of Peace.

Through Christ’s finished work, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we enjoy fellowship with God – His presence, His holiness, His majesty.

Through Christ’s finished work, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Father enjoys us – He hears us, He speaks to us, and we respond with worship.

Indeed, it is as David once wrote:

And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”

Father, thank You for today. Thank You for this time. Thank You for Your presence, for Your holy and majestic presence; You are always with us, You will never leave us; You hear us intently, and You speak to us with love, through power and humility.

Jesus, thank You for all You have done; It is not by our works or who we are, but through who You are and what You did that we are confident to see the Creator face to face, bold to run to Him, calling Him our Father. Indeed, Your name is the name above every other name.

God – Father, Son, and Spirit – You are worthy of all glory and praise, both now and forever. Thank You for Your continued presence in our lives, and for working all things for our good.

In the name of Jesus, and for His name’s sake, we pray. Amen.

God bless you!

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