Daily Devotion, June 8, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 29.

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” Psalm 29:2 reminds me of hearing the choir singing these words as a “Call to Worship” at the beginning of most Sunday mornings during my early years. They might have never won music awards, but they were faithful, sincere, and genuine with a willingness to give away anything for anyone in need and they gave a song of worship into our young hearts.

 

During those years, I thought the beauty of God’s holiness was limited to God’s house; particularly the sanctuary complete with beautiful stained-glass windows which portrayed the Bible stories. But the Psalmist helps us to realize that the beauty of God’s holiness surrounds who God is; God’s greatness, power and glory and all of God’s creation!

Sometimes we lose sight of how great God is! When our children were much younger, we walked through “A Bug’s Life” world in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We were all so very small compared to the plants, ants, and grasshoppers! The Psalmist is reminding us how small we are in comparison to the greatness of God! If we only read through verse 10, then it might cause us to be filled with fear. Yet, from God’s greatness and generosity, the Psalmist offers a confident prayer for strength and peace for the people.

Yes, God is great and powerful. God’s voice is powerful as it is emphasized seven times within verses 3-9. This Psalmist’s perspective helps us remember that God is God and we are not god. Jesus came to help us see and understand that God is great not only in power and strength, but also in love, mercy, forgiveness, kindness and peace. Psalm 8:4 says it so well, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” This is grace. Jesus came to teach us and to demonstrate God’s love and grace to us.

Personal Worship Option:

Sometime when you are outside today, pause and give God thanksgiving for all of creation. And pause and remember that God, who created the mountains, hillsides, tall trees and beautiful flowers, is also mindful of you, cares about you and is listening to the prayers from your heart. Amen.