Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Psalm 29 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

A Psalm of David.

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
worship the Lord in holy splendor.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over mighty waters.

The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.

The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl,
and strips the forest bare;
and in his temple all say, “Glory!”

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.

May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!

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Reflect

If you happen to read this psalm in conjunction with 1 Kings 19:11-17, you’ll notice that there seems to be two contrasting pictures of the voice of the Lord. Psalm 29 tells us that the voice of the Lord “flashes forth flames of fire” (v. 7) and “shakes the wilderness”.(v. 8) So, if we look at Elijah’s story then we’re naturally surprised when we read that there’s a great wind, an earthquake, and a fire! However, God’s voice isn’t found in any of those events. Instead, God’s voice is found in the sheer silence (1 Kings 19:12).

The same voice that roars is the same voice that can be heard in silence. God will speak to us in any way that is necessary to get our attention. That is why the writer of Hebrews tells us that we must hear Christ’s voice today instead of “[hardening] our hearts as in the rebellion” (Hebrews 2:1-4, 3:7-14).

Today, listen for the voice of Jesus. What is He saying to you?

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Pray

Almighty and Everlasting God, thank You for speaking to us through Your Son. Thank You for granting us full and free salvation. Send the Holy Spirit to open my heart and mind to hear Your voice so that I might obey You and live in Your will. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who both lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Go with God!