Psalm 29

It seems like I’ve been writing a lot about “the end of the world” on this blog lately. Maybe it’s because everything that’s happening in the news right now seems so crazy. Earthquakes, wildfires, plagues of locusts, a burgeoning pandemic. A lot of things seem to be in upheaval. Where’s it all headed?

I imagine that’s what David must have thought as he witnessed the storm that prompted him to write Psalm 29. He mentions mighty waters, roaring thunder, lightning… even a flood. That would be a frightening sight to behold if not in the safety of one’s home. Nature can cause quite a ruckus when she wants to.

Yet, David says he knows someone greater than the storm: “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.” (vs 10) It’s an awesome thing to imagine—a world full of violent chaos . . . and a strong God who remains the King over it all.

David goes on to say that this King has gifts to give: “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” (vs 11)

God wants you to stand. He wants you to smile at the storm, shout at the thunder, wink at the lightning, and laugh at the flood. He wants you to see the terrifying whirlpool of chaos… and then remember that His throne is unmoved, unchanged. He wants you to know that though the mountains be cast into the depths of the sea, He is still on His throne, and everything is right with the world.

He wants you to be strong. He wants you to be at peace. When the storms of life rage all around you, He wants you to be the eye of the storm—calm, peaceful, and confident, no matter what. And as we remember that He sits enthroned over the flood, it won’t matter how much thunder and lightning we must endure. We can stand in the strength and peace of the Lord.

Selah.