Suffering With Joy

Praying the Psalms – Psalm 29

July 31, 2010

Psalms 29:7f., Moshe Tzvi HaLevi Berger, Artist's comment: "Shafts of fire. In the Scriptures, the Almighty describes Himself as a devouring fire. But this fire is special - it can destroy but it can also purify and elevate. It is so kind, that it can enlighten the path of the lost ones who are searching and lead them towards life, the Eternal's greatest gift."

Psalm 29 is about the voice of the Lord and the many ways He speaks to us, softly and loudly, but always powerfully.

1. Give to the Lord, you sons of God, give to the Lord glory and praise. [This is the justice we owe to God, our creator - always glory and praise for all He has done for us, especially for giving us life.]

2. Give to the Lord the glory due His name; adore the Lord in holy attire. [The name of God is Jesus, the Word, who deserves our thanksgiving and honor and glory and adoration for bending to us, for taking on our flesh and sacrificing Himself for us.

To adore the Lord in holy attire is to stand before Him in sanctifying grace.  Of ourselves we have nothing, but he gives us the holy attire, the wedding clothes, the grace to be humbly and joyfully in His presence. He knows we are poor, yet He wants us in His presence so He gives us the garment of salvation, just what we need to be there.  How can we not glorify His name for this great mercy?]

3-9.  The voice of the Lord is over the waters.  The voice of the Lord is mighty; the voice of the Lord is majestic.  The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars, the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.  He makes Lebanon leap like a calf and Sarion like a young wild bull.  The voice of the Lord strikes fiery flames; the voice of the Lord shakes the desert, the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.  The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests, and in His temple all say “Glory!” [Jesus commanded the waves to subside and the winds to calm during the storm when His apostles were frightened.  This miracle is the living embodiment of the psalm. No matter how strong the wind blows or how hard it rains, He is there and in control. In every storm I pray to God for protection and ask Him to prevent harm to us, knowing that it pleases Him to be recognized by His creature for His power and glory.]

In the temple of the Lord on every Sunday, we glorify His name in the Gloria in excelsis Deo. His holy Word in the scriptures strikes fiery flames in our hearts – flames that burn our faults and sins away through penance and conversion of heart – flames of longing for Him that become one with the flames of His love for us until we are totally purified of selfishness. All in His temple – angels, saints, and sinners on earth, and all creation cry out “Glory!”  If we do not do this, we have no idea of who we are and Who He is.  We do not know the meaning of love.]

10-11.  The Lord is enthroned above the flood; the Lord is enthroned as king forever.  May the Lord give strength to His people; may the Lord bless His people with peace! [John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Christ is our King forever.  He gives us the peace of knowing that no matter the difficulties we suffer in this life, if we live His teachings we will have eternal harmony, peace, at-one-ness with Him and each other. Who does not want this great blessing?

We are here to practice for our eternal heavenly peace.  The daily battles to overcome our faults and sins are won not with our strength but with His that He gives us when we call upon His name, Jesus.  Perhaps the greatest peace this side of heaven is knowing that no matter how bad things are, the Lord is always with us, seeing and knowing our needs, and teaching us His ways if we look and listen to His voice. It is right that we ask to be blessed with peace, for in asking that, we are asking for the eternal life He wants to give us.  Lord, that I may keep my eyes on the prize in this life so that I may persevere into eternal peace, joy, and life with You.  Send forth the fire of Your Holy Spirit to burn, in mercy, everything that stands between us.  Be my strength in all things for the glory of Your Name.

Tags: peace and joy, psalms

2 Comments to Praying the Psalms – Psalm 29

1. 

   I loved how you described the greatest peace there is. God bless!
Colleen on July 31st, 2010
2. 

   Thanks for joining us
Rann on August 1st, 2010