Ruling Over Storms
“The Lord rules over the floodwaters.
The Lord reigns as king forever.
The Lord gives his people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace.”
(Psalm 29:10-11, NLT)
This is a powerful Psalm to reflect and meditate on, especially if you are going through struggles. In the beginning of this Psalm, David paints a picture of a fierce thunderstorm. Raging storms can take many forms in our lives: from health issues, to family struggles, to financial concerns. Those storms can feel like waves of trials drowning us. Yet, if you look closely there is a contrast revealed. As David considered the magnitude of the storm, he knew God’s strength, God’s power, God’s authority was greater.
“The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
The God of glory thunders.
The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.”
(Psalm 29:3-4)
In the eleven verses of this Psalm, the name of the Lord is used 18 times and the voice of the Lord is used seven times. By repeating this over and over, the author is trying to emphasize the importance.
God is strong and mighty. One of His characteristics is that God is all-powerful. He is omnipotent and this does not change. Nothing is too hard for Him.
“The Lord rules over the floodwaters.
The Lord reigns as king forever.
The Lord gives his people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace.”
(Psalm 29:10-11, NLT)
No matter the storm, the Lord Rules.
The Lord reigns as king forever.
It’s a statement of truth of how God is in control and how He rules over our lives and of creation.
If you are in the midst of a storm, the Lord gives His people STRENGTH.
If you are struggling and in pain, the Lord gives His people PEACE.
Do you remember the storm the disciples faced?
“Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ Jesus responded, ‘Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!’ Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked. ‘Even the winds and waves obey him!’” (Matthew 8:23-27)
Jesus was always with the disciples, even in the midst of the storm. The disciples cried out to Him and immediately He calmed the turbulent sea.
If you feel like you are overwhelmed with life’s circumstances right now, remember Jesus is with you. The Lord RULES over the floodwaters.
The storms of life may come, but we can cry out to God and have peace that God is in control. The waves of trials will not engulf us.
Remember this Psalm and share it with someone you know who is struggling.
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
Prayer: Father, we thank You and honor You for Your glory and strength. We worship You as You are holy and all-powerful. Your voice echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.The voice of the Lord strikes with bolts of lightning. Help us to remember, no matter what we are going through that You are still in control. You still rule and reign over every problem, over every circumstance. You are GREATER and mightier. Thank You that You give Your people strength. Thank You that You bless Your people with peace. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Please know we are praying for you and we hope you are encouraged that no matter what you are going through in life right now, God is with you and God is in control. May you be encouraged today and know you are loved!
Christine Batchelder