majesty

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -29

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A Devotional on Psalm 29: The Voice of the Lord

As I sit with Psalm 29, I’m struck by its vivid imagery and the way it calls me to pause and marvel at the power and majesty of God. This psalm, written by David, paints a picture of God’s voice thundering over creation, commanding awe and worship. It’s a reminder that the same God who speaks with earth-shaking authority is the One who knows me personally and invites me into His presence. Let’s dive into this beautiful psalm and let its truth anchor our hearts today.

The Power of God’s Voice
Psalm 29 begins with a call to worship: “Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Psalm 29:1-2, NIV). David urges us to give God the honor He deserves, not because He needs it, but because it’s the only fitting response to His greatness. I love how C.S. Lewis reflects on worship, saying it’s not about God needing our praise but about us stepping into the joy of recognizing His worth. When I read these verses, I’m reminded to lift my eyes from my daily grind and fix them on the One who is infinitely worthy.

Then comes the heart of the psalm: the voice of the Lord. Seven times, David repeats this phrase, describing God’s voice as powerful, majestic, breaking cedars, shaking the desert, and twisting oaks (Psalm 29:3-9). It’s a poetic way of saying that God’s voice is unstoppable. It’s not just loud—it’s creative, authoritative, and transformative. I think of how Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher, described God’s voice as “the very essence of divine power.” When God speaks, things happen. The same voice that spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1) speaks into my life, calling me to trust, to obey, to rest.

A Personal Connection
As I reflect on this, I’m humbled by the thought that this mighty God, whose voice can shatter the strongest trees, cares about the details of my life. There’s a moment in the psalm where David says, “The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth” (Psalm 29:9). It’s such a tender image amidst the storm and thunder—a reminder that God’s power isn’t just destructive or grand; it’s also gentle, bringing life and care to His creation. I’ve felt this in my own life. There are days when I’m overwhelmed, when the storms of life feel like they’ll break me. But then I sense God’s voice—not as a distant roar, but as a quiet whisper, reminding me that He’s near, that He’s enough.

John Piper once said that God’s glory and our joy are not at odds; they’re intertwined. Psalm 29 shows this so clearly. When I stand in awe of God’s power, I find peace. When I recognize His majesty, I’m reminded that He’s in control, even when my world feels chaotic. The psalm ends with a promise that resonates deeply: “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11). This isn’t just a nice thought—it’s a lifeline. God doesn’t just display His power; He shares it with us, giving us strength to face our challenges and peace to rest in His sovereignty.

Applying Psalm 29 Today
So, what does this mean for you and me? First, let’s take time to worship. Maybe it’s through a song, a prayer, or simply sitting in silence, marveling at who God is. Let’s ascribe to Him the glory due His name, as David urges. Second, let’s listen for His voice. In a world full of noise—social media, news, our own anxieties—God’s voice is still speaking. Maybe it’s through Scripture, a gentle nudge in prayer, or the encouragement of a friend. His voice is powerful enough to calm the storms in our hearts.

Finally, let’s trust the promise of verse 11. I know life can feel like a wilderness sometimes, shaken by trials or uncertainties. But the God who shakes the desert and breaks the cedars is the same God who gives us strength and peace. As A.W. Tozer once wrote, “With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack?”

Prayer
Lord, Your voice is mighty, yet You speak to me with love and care. Help me to worship You in the splendor of Your holiness, to listen for Your voice above the noise, and to trust in Your strength and peace. Thank You for being both powerful and personal. May my life reflect Your glory today. Amen.

As you go through your day, may you hear the voice of the Lord—powerful, majestic, and full of love for you. Let it draw you into worship and fill you with His peace.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -8

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Devotional on Psalm 8: The Majesty of God and the Dignity of Humanity
Scripture Reading: Psalm 8 (ESV)
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!


Reflection: The Majesty of God and the Dignity of Humanity
Psalm 8, penned by King David, is a timeless hymn of praise that invites us to stand in awe of God’s grandeur while marveling at the unique place humanity holds in His creation. From a historical Christian perspective, this psalm has been cherished as a profound meditation on God’s sovereignty and humanity’s God-given dignity, a theme echoed by early church fathers, medieval theologians, and reformers alike.


The Majesty of God
David begins and ends with a declaration: “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” The early church father Augustine saw this as a call to worship the Triune God, whose glory surpasses the heavens. The vastness of the cosmos—moon, stars, and galaxies—reflects the infinite power of the Creator. Yet, as John Calvin noted, God’s majesty is not confined to the heavens but is revealed even in the weak and humble. “Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength.” This verse, fulfilled in Christ’s triumphal entry (Matthew 21:16), reminds us that God’s power is often displayed through what the world deems insignificant. His strength silences the enemy, showing that His kingdom prevails through divine wisdom, not human might.


The Dignity of Humanity
The heart of Psalm 8 wrestles with a question that resonates through the ages: “What is man that you are mindful of him?” In the vastness of creation, humanity seems small, yet God crowns us with glory and honor. The early Christian theologian Athanasius connected this to the doctrine of the imago Dei—the image of God in humanity. Though fallen through sin, humanity’s dignity is restored in Christ, the true Son of Man, who fulfills this psalm by taking on human nature and redeeming it through His death and resurrection (Hebrews 2:5-9).
The Reformers, like Martin Luther, emphasized that this dominion over creation is not a license for exploitation but a call to stewardship. God entrusts humanity with care for His world—animals, birds, fish—as a reflection of His own loving rule. This responsibility is both a privilege and a call to humility, reminding us that our worth comes not from our achievements but from God’s gracious design.


Application: Living in Awe and Responsibility
Psalm 8 invites us to live with a dual posture: awe before God and humility in our calling. As you gaze at the stars or marvel at the intricacy of creation, let your heart echo David’s praise for God’s majesty. When you feel insignificant, remember that God is mindful of you—He knows you, loves you, and has crowned you with purpose through Christ. And as stewards of His creation, consider how you can reflect His care in your daily life, whether through acts of kindness, responsible stewardship of resources, or sharing the gospel that restores humanity’s dignity.


Prayer
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! We stand in awe of Your creation and marvel that You are mindful of us. Thank You for crowning us with glory through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live as faithful stewards, reflecting Your love and care in all we do. May our lives proclaim Your majesty and bring glory to Your holy name. Amen.


For Further Reflection
• Spend time in nature this week, reflecting on God’s majesty in creation.
• Consider one practical way you can steward God’s creation (e.g., caring for the environment, serving others).
• Meditate on Hebrews 2:5-9 to see how Christ fulfills Psalm 8.
May this psalm inspire you to live with wonder, gratitude, and purpose as you reflect on the God who is both Creator and Redeemer. 

Hymn Devotions Day 33 – All Hail The Power of Jesus Name

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DAY 33 – ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

                What a magnificent tribute to our great King Jesus! Everything should praise His incomparable majesty, from angelic beings to repentant sinners. I love how we are swept away to the throne of God to see Jesus receive the honor and glory due Him.

Edward Perronet leaves out no one in this great hymn. From the seraphim to human martyrs, to the chosen nation of Israel and the redeemed of every nationality, all have reason to praise and glorify Jesus Christ.

As I reflect on this song, I must ask myself – do I praise Him as He deserves to be praised? Do I truly follow Him as a servant should his Master, his Lord? Do I truly magnify His name with my life, my witness?

Oh, that we would always lift up high the name of Jesus. Our wonderful Savior, Redeemer and Friend. The Lord of all lords. The King of all kings. The One who left His throne in heaven to save a wretch like me. What a wonderful day it will be to stand before Him, and watch as He sits enthroned, ruling over the universe. May we never forget the suffering our Lord endured for us, the wormwood and the gall, as the hymn reads. Let us spread out before Him our lives, the good works we have done in His name so that others could see His saving and transforming power. Let us shout to all with ears that Jesus is Lord of all.

What a scene in heaven, as those from Earth join those in Heaven and together we lift up the name of Jesus in praise and adulation. Let us start now and keep the song rolling through eternity.

 

All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain. Thank You, Lord Jesus – may all who draw breath seek to praise Your name. Draw us to Yourself so that we may praise You forever.

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME – Edward Perronet

 

All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall

Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all

Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all

 

Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre and as they tune it, fall

Before His face who tunes their choir, and crown Him Lord of all

Before His face who tunes their choir, and crown Him Lord of all

 

Crown Him, ye morning stars of light who fixed this floating ball

Now hail the strength of Israel’s might, and crown Him Lord of all

Now hail the strength of Israel’s might, and crown Him Lord of all

 

Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God, who from His altar call

Extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod, and crown Him Lord of all

Extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod, and crown Him Lord of all

 

Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race, Ye ransomed from the fall

Hail Him who saves you by His grace and crown Him Lord of all

Hail Him who saves you by His grace and crown Him Lord of all

 

Hail Him, ye heirs of David’s line, whom David Lord did call

The God incarnate, Man divine, and crown Him Lord of all

The God incarnate, Man divine, and crown Him Lord of all

 

Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget the wormwood and the gall

Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of all

Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of all

 

Let every tribe and every tongue before Him prostrate fall

And shout in universal song the crowned Lord of all

And shout in universal song the crowned Lord of all

 

Oh, that with yonder sacred throng, We at His feet may fall

We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all

We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all

 

(John Rippon added final verse in 1787)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hymn Devotions Day 14 – Holy, Holy, Holy!

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DAY 14 – HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

               What a magnificent, majestic song to sing in praise to God! Yes, all the saints do adore Him, the God of our Salvation. When we stand before the throne we will cast down our crowns at His feet, acknowledging that He and He alone is worthy of any honor. The great angels and other heavenly creatures also will bow in reverence, honor and awe before our great God.

We cannot see Him now. To witness His holy glory would destroy us. Our sinful bodies are simply not capable of withstanding His perfect presence. One day, we will have a new body and be cleansed from all sin but for now, He is hidden from our sight. Now, we see as through a glass darkly, but then we will see clearly.

At the coming of the Lord Jesus, when this present heaven and earth pass away and everything is made new, only those who belong to the Lord will inhabit the universe. All His works will praise His name. All will give Him the glory He deserves.

Every time I sing this song, I am swept up in emotion as I reflect on how wonderful and amazing God is. I sing this with all my heart and mind, praying that He takes joy in my offering to Him. Early in the morning, in the middle of the afternoon, late in the evening, all are appropriate times to ring out praise to our most holy God.

 

               Most high and holy God, I offer to You everything I have. Nothing I am or will be is in any way a worthy gift to such a magnificent God, but all I have I give to You. You alone are worthy of praise and glory and majesty. I bow before Your glorious throne.

HOLY, HOLY HOLY by Reginald Heber

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty

Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty

God in three persons, blessed Trinity

 

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee

Who wert and art and evermore shall be

 

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee

Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see

Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee

Perfect in power, in love and purity

 

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty

All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty

God in three persons, blessed Trinity

Hymn Devotions Day 3 – O Worship The King

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DAY 3 O WORSHIP THE KING 

This majestic song lifts you up in praise to the One seated on the Everlasting throne. The use of adjectives such as shield, defender, friend, maker and redeemer tell us of God’s character.

Here is no aloof God, watching from way off in space. Here is a God intimately involved with His creation. This is, make no mistake, a hymn about the Creator and His creation. It was based on Psalm 104. In a day where evolution is held to be absolute truth, this hymn helps us to unashamedly sing out our belief in a personal Creator God.

The third stanza unapologetically states that God formed the world. The writer has in mind both the Genesis account of Moses and the book of Job, where God tells Job that He put boundaries on the waters.

God’s love and providence for His creation is evident throughout the song. It is because He cares and desires so deeply for us to have a relationship with Him, that we are able to sing of His glory and might.

God is our shield, an ever-present help in times of trouble. He defends us against the slanderous attacks of our adversary. He is our friend as well as our Lord, a mind-blowing concept is ever there was one. Most of all, He is our creator and our redeemer. He made us for Himself and redeemed us for Himself. All praise to the King of Kings, who is worthy of all glory and honor.

As you pray today, thank God for the ways He manifests Himself to you – a shield, defender, redeemer. He is not only your maker, but He will be your friend if you would yield your life to Him.

 

Thank you Lord, for creating us and the beautiful world we live in. We worship You, King of the Universe, and give you all glory and honor and praise.

 

O WORSHIP THE KING by Robert Grant

O worship the King, all glorious above

O gratefully sing God’s power and God’s love

Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days

Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise

O tell of His might, O sing of His grace

Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space

Whose chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form

      And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

      The earth with its store of wonders untold

      Almighty Thou power hath founded of old

      Hath established it fast by a changeless decree

      And round it has cast like a mantle, the sea

      Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite

      It breathes in the air, it shines in the light

      It streams from the hills, it descends to the plains

      And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

      Frail children of dust and feeble as frail

      In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail

      Thy mercies, how tender, how firm to the end

      Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend