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Bible Reading: Psalm 29:1-11
Devotional: 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.
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The Psalms express the feelings and emotions that sometimes we find too hard to express to God by ourselves. Through diving into the Psalms and their different forms , the aim is that readers can lead...July 14th, 5:00 am
Bible Reading: Psalm 13:1-6
Devotional: Choosing to trust
This psalm begins with the writer crying out for answers, looking to understand why it seems God has abandoned him. Have you ever felt forgotten by God? The psalmist asks God for understanding and hope, saying “Lord please help me understand how any of this makes sense. How could this situation fit with you being just?” We have all felt like this at one point in our lives, thinking “this isn’t fair, how is this just?”
Many times in the Bible, if someone prays they are given a direct response (consider Job 38 where God speaks from the storm, or the angel in Daniel 10 who visits Daniel after persistent prayer). So far as we know, the psalmist doesn’t receive a response to this prayer. What we are left with is not an audible voice, but the psalmist remembering God’s promises. He chooses to trust and rejoice, despite the unpleasant circumstances.
When life is difficult we can have difficult questions – we can choose to go to God with those questions, or we can choose to turn away from God. It’s okay to call out to God, and it’s okay to wrestle with Him to understand how He is acting in your situation – but don’t forget that our God is the one who has been generous for giving us life, giving us salvation, and is worthy of praise regardless of what is going on in your life right now.
Prayer
God, let me trust you enough to pray what I’m really thinking. You know my thoughts, you know my heart – I am confused right now. What is going on right now doesn’t make any sense to me. Please show me what I should do, and please God, take away this difficult situation. I know you are in control so please do something. I don’t see things the way you do, but I know you have a plan. Help me to trust, and give me strength to get through today.
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The Psalms express the feelings and emotions that sometimes we find too hard to express to God by ourselves. Through diving into the Psalms and their different forms , the aim is that readers can lead...July 13th, 5:00 am
