Abiding in the PsalmsSample

God is Greater

God deserves to be worshipped. David calls on the angels to acknowledge God for his strength, glory, and holiness – this is what worship is. David then goes on to talk about God’s voice – it is over the waters like in creation, it thunders as in Job 37, it breaks the mighty cedars of Lebanon (which is the timber David’s son Solomon will use to build parts of the temple), and is powerful enough that Lebanon (seen by Mount Hermon to the north of Israel) jumps around like a wild ox – something that can move forests and mountains must be truly powerful. God’s voice is a storm that flashes like lightning, shakes deserts, and strips forests of ancient oak trees. Everyone who worships in his temple declares that the power of this God is glorious.

The last two verses make two things clear. This voice belongs to an eternal king who is above flood waters, and this king is a source of strength for his people. The God we worship is above the chaos of this world (whether that be natural disasters or human nations at war) and He is our source of blessing.

You should worship God. Acknowledge that God is so much bigger than you. We may think we control this world, but so often things don’t go according to our plan. This world is like a chaotic flood, but the voice of our God thunders above these mighty waters. Take comfort in the fact that God is bigger than whatever we may face in this life. He will give strength to His people. He is in control. He is powerful, He has glory, and He is King over both this world and your life. Don’t just remember this – do what David says, and declare who God is.

Prayer

God, you are mighty and powerful. You created everything. You are above everything. The angels in heaven sing about your power and your glory. You are holy, there is nothing else like you, there is no one else like you. This world may seem like chaos that can never be controlled – but you are in control of everything. You are the God who spoke and the waters separated at creation. You are the God who walked on the water, and when you spoke the storm ceased. You are King of this world. Lord, let me listen to your voice, because there is power in your Word.