Psalm 29: The Voice of the Lord
WHAT ARE THE ways that God chooses to speak to us? He uses the counsel of friends or the subtlety of our own conscience, and often he uses his own Word. But sometimes he speaks so that he can be heard loud and clear, and so that no one can be mistaken about what he is saying. This passage explores the ways we hear the voice of the Lord.
Warming Up to God
Recall a time in your life when you felt that God was speaking to you specifically. Thank him for coming to you, and ask him now to speak to your listening heart.
Read Psalm 29. »
Discovering the Word
- The psalmist addresses a specific audience in verse 1—"mighty ones." Why do you think he speaks to them?
- David urges his audience to "ascribe to the Lord glory and strength (v. 1). How does his psalm accomplish this?
- What does "the voice of the Lord" do (vv. 3-9)?
- What characteristics of God do these verses bring to mind?
- What does verse 9 tell us about the proper response to hearing the voice of God?
- Most of Psalm 29 describes the actions of God as a mighty and powerful rainstorm, inspiring not only awe, but even fear. However, the psalm ends (v. 11) describing the actions of God in quite a different fashion. How does this complete the picture of God that David has painted?
Applying the Word
- How does observing the power of God in both nature and in his own actions help us understand the nature and role of worship in our lives?
- Sometimes God uses a storm to draw our attention to him and cause us to fall before him in awe, but he also "blesses his people with peace." How can this passage help you to better understand the ways of God and his workings in your life?
Responding in Prayer
Take some time to "ascribe to the Lord" some of the marvelous deeds he has done for you.
For Further Study
Hearing God by Dallas Willard