PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM
- Key Verse
- "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." (Psalm 29:11)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
The storms of life are no match in power to the glory of the Lord. Receive His gift of strength and peace in the midst of yours.
Reflections
The voice of the Lord - what a mysterious thing.I am fascinated by how this psalm describes the Lord's powerful and majestic voice. Imagine a voice so thunderous it splits tree trunks, moves mountains, shakes deserts, twists oaks, and strips forests. It is so mighty the author depicts it as a physical presence.
I shouldn't be astonished at this description. The voice that spoke the universe into existence certainly has the ability to shake things up a little. Yet every Christ follower, including me, longs for God's voice in their life. A full recognition of the awesome - and fearsome - nature of that voice might make us think twice.
The truth is: I deserve a good "shaking." When I think how my daily sin grieves the heart of God, I know that I justly deserve the full wrath of His voice. Even though I try to live my life for Christ, I fall shamefully short of His example. I slip into the temptation of living in my old ways, which take me outside His will and cause harm to me and to others. My sin nailed His Son to a cross. His fierce voice would be a more than equitable retribution for my destructive choices.
And yet, this passage says that He gives me strength instead of turning His strength against me. And He blesses me with peace. Does this mean that the consequences of sin are nullified? Certainly not. Like a domino effect, my choices set in motion inevitable outcomes. But, as long as I turn my face to the King who is enthroned forever, crying for His glory in the midst of my sinful circumstances, He will offer strength and peace instead of wrath. While the storm swirls without, peace can reign within.
Interestingly, this psalm is referred to as The Song of Thunderstorms because the imagery suggests that the author wrote it during a thunderous rainstorm. The next time I see a "storm" brewing in my life, I will remember His powerful voice and gratefully accept His offer of strength and peace. How about you?
Discussion Questions
1. When I consider the raw intensity of God's power, what does it evoke within me? What does my response reveal about my relationship with the Lord?
2. What storms are brewing in my life or the life of those around me? How can I reach for God's strength and peace in these circumstances? How can I help others do the same?3. If I were to describe the power and glory of the Lord, what imagery would I use? Why?
4. Prayer: Awesome God, I don't claim to understand all the facets of your glory. But I am grateful that your power is for me, not against me. Thank you for bestowing strength and peace to your children. Help me take hold of it in the midst of the storm. And let your glory shine through me so that I might be a source of strength and peace for others. Amen.
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Terry Melle
February 10, 2010 04:18 AM
Lynda, an eloquent and beautiful expression of gratitude for the strength and peace you enjoy from His benevolence.
randy
February 10, 2010 07:40 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2rLXr3cEU
Terri Morrison
February 10, 2010 08:13 AM
Beautiful imagery! I love to watch and listen to a good thunderstorm. Your analogy will help me weather the storms of life that are sure to come resting securely in my Lord's strength and peace.
Andrea Herzer
February 10, 2010 08:34 AM
Beautiful, Lynda. I plan on reading this daily for awoke, and letting God's truth "soak in". How rich we are when we know Him! Keep writing. It is a blessing to read your words.
Andrea Herzer
February 10, 2010 09:14 AM
Beautiful, Lynda. I plan on reading this daily for awhile and letting God's truth "soak in." How rich we are when we know him. It is a blessing to read your words.
Barbara
February 10, 2010 09:18 AM
Linda, I really enjoyed your devo this morning. My life, although relatively calm right now, as far as storms go, definitely has a lot of storms brewing on the horizon. When I start "borrowing tomorrow's troubles" God reminds me that His grace is sufficient for me and that His power is made perfect in my weakness. Your devo also reminds me of the peace He offers during those storms as I abide in Him. Thank you. Shalom!
Linda Jean Butler
February 10, 2010 11:07 AM
The voice of the Lord is truly mighty. Strange how we can ignore it sometimes. It has been so great to go through the Psalms with new and different perspectives. Thanks for sharing your heart...and I'm jealous that you got to be a Grandma 15 years before me! I only have 5 1/2 more months to wait.
Bea Galvan
February 10, 2010 03:28 PM
Lynda, What an eye opener and what a great reminder that I can show His power and peace. Thanks for sharing. Love the prayer. Bea
Heather
February 10, 2010 05:01 PM
Lynda, Thank you for the prayer and great insight. Yes, I am better off focusing on the peace God offers than worrying about "why" and being shaken by the answer in His powerful voice.