Unlike the previous psalms in this series, which present conflicting emotions and difficult situations, Psalm 29 is fairly straightforward. In this psalm, David describes God’s majesty and power, particularly the awesome creative power of His voice. The psalms and hymns that we sing in this morning’s service follow along the same path. We’ll declare that our God is “most glorious” and the “Great Father of glory” (Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise). We’ll rejoice that He protects His people “like a mountain standing tall” (He Who Trusts In The Lord—Psalm 125). We’ll take comfort in the knowledge that “He holds the valleys in His hand,” and we’ll urge one another to “come and hear His voice today” (O Come Before The Lord, Our King—Psalm 95). We’ll listen with hope, since, when listening to His voice, “new life the dead receive” (O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing). We’ll confess that He is “mightier by far” than the raging of the seas (The Floods Have Lifted Up—Psalm 93), and we’ll bow in wonder and adoration, proclaiming, “my God, how great Thou art” (How Great Thou Art). We’ll conclude the service by singing words of praise taken from Psalm 29 itself (The Voice Of The Lord Is Over The Waters, Nathan George’s setting written for this church in 2013). As David commands in Psalm 29:9, “in His temple all cry, ‘Glory!’”
—Henry C. Haffner
