Psalm 29 The King

Ascribe to the LORD, O 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 holiness.
                        --------
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!      Psalm 29:1-2, 10-11, ESV
 
Psalm 29 is rather unique. What makes it unique is that it begins with a call to worship—angelic worship! David is calling the angels to busy themselves in worship![1]  They are to declare the glory and the holiness of the Lord.
 
Verses 3-10 go on to explain what it is about God that makes Him so praise-worthy in the heavens. They describe God as the sovereign ruler over the things of the earth. He is in control of waters, weather, forests, and animals. His voice is the power that brings life and brings destruction. As the heavenly host observe the majestic rule of God the King exercised below, they are commanded to praise Him above.
 
While it is good to know that the heavenly beings are to praise God, we are not heavenly beings. Even so, there is a word for us. The angelic creatures are to praise God as King forever over all things on the earth (v.10). For this reason, David can turn to God the Almighty King and ask Him to strengthen His people and bring them peace (v.11). The sovereignty of God over all creation that is so awe-inspiring that it results in worship in heaven is the same sovereignty that is our source of strength and peace here and now.
 
There can be little doubt that we live in a day when we are all longing for some strength and peace. Strength to deal with all that this virus and its social isolation are throwing our way. Peace in the place of fear of sickness and economic ruin. Strength to deal with the strange new world it seems we will be living in for quite some time. Peace to know that there is a King who loves us and is absolutely in control of it all.
 
Good news! God, the sovereign ruler over everything, stands ready to deliver strength and peace to you this very moment. He proved His willingness when He sent His Son to die for your sins and conquer death, the grave, and hell.
 
May the King give strength to you today!
May the King bring you peace today!
 
Pastor Don
 
[1] The “heavenly beings” in verse 1 are literally “sons of God” in Hebrew. “The Old Testament uses the term ‘son(s) of God’ or ‘God’s son(s)’ to refer to kings (Pss 2:7; 89:27), heavenly beings (Gen 6:2; Pss 29:1; 82:6; Job 1:6), and Israel (Exod 4:22–23; Hos 11:1). The term usually serves to designate special agents of God’s will and the recipients of His love (Psa 89:1–4; Hos 11:1; Deut 32:8–9 DSS).” David Seal, “Son of God,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2016).