Psalm 29 is a poetic encouragement to fearfully respect “the voice of the LORD.”
- The voice of the LORD is over the waters (v. 3)
- The voice of the LORD is powerful and full of majesty (v. 4)
- The voice of the LORD breaks the strongest cedars (v. 5)
- The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire (v. 7)
- The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness (v. 8)
- The voice of the LORD strips the forests bare (v. 9)
God Almighty could crush every single one of us in an instant using nothing more than his voice. But he hasn’t. In fact, he’s graciously called on his creation to “ascribe”—to give credit, to recognize, to acknowledge what rightly belongs to him. With that in mind, listen to the call of Psalm 29:1-2:
Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of God, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.
Heavenly beings are ascribing glory and strength to the LORD at this very moment, even as you read these words. Creation is ascribing all around us today. Look around. Listen. Notice. In the rising of the sun. The changing of the seasons. The flying birds, creeping beasts, and swimming sea creatures. And you? You’ll likely use your voice a lot this week. Be thankful for that blessing and opportunity, but realize that the primary reason you have a voice is to ascribe. To humbly recognize. To joyfully give credit where credit is due.
Today is an undeserved opportunity to “offer up a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Heb 13:15). He is worthy. His voice is powerful and full of majesty. Immeasurable glory is due his name. What an opportunity is ours to lift our own God-given voices and worship him in the splendor of holiness.
Ascribe to the LORD, O sons and daughters of God…
Happy Lord’s day.