THE VOICE OF THE LORD
Scientists say that our voice is as unique as a fingerprint. That's why companies like high street banks and HMRC like to hear our voice when we ring up and are required to say, "my voice is my password" when attempting to access our accounts……
If our voice is unique, the same must be the case for God. You may remember the boy Samuel hearing his name called in the nighttime by God, and confusing God's voice for Eli the high priest's voice. Why was this? Because he had never heard God's voice before.
What qualities does the voice of the Lord have? To answer this, consider Psalm 29. It appears that the psalmist, David, was witnessing the power of a passing thunderstorm, and comparing the forces released with that of the voice of the Lord:
The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.(v3)
Like a thunderstorm, the voice of the Lord rises above the tumult of "mighty waters". His word cannot be opposed, even by the sometimes-deafening sound of the problems and difficulties we may face. Have you ever tried hearing someone amongst the cacophony in a crowded restaurant or busy railway station? We can hear Him speak to us if we "tune-in" to God, by "tuning-out" the mighty waters that compete for our attention.
The voice of the Lord is powerful and majestic (v4)
Like an on-coming storm, nothing can thwart the inexorability of God's Word and its effect on us.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. (v5)
Cedars of Lebanon were highly prized for their durable, aromatic timber that was good for building great palaces. If we allow His voice and rule to increase within us, our submission to Him will result in us becoming more like Him.
The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. (v7)
Lightning lights up the sky and is incredibly powerful, but the landing point of every lightning flash covers a minute area. Likewise, when the Lord shines His light into our lives, it is with pinpoint accuracy because He knows all about us and our specific needs (see Psalm 139). As we open our hearts to Him, His incredible power will be released to achieve the work He desires to do in us.
The voice of the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. (v8)
When the Lord ministers His voice, the deserts shake. Maybe we feel we are in a desert or wilderness place right now, but the Lord's voice causes our narrow thinking and shallow beliefs to be shaken up by speaking the transformative power of His Word into our lives.
The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. (v9a)
An oak is a very strong tree, but if it is twisted, there is a significant loss of strength. Perhaps there are many strong forces surrounding you like a forest at this time. The good news is that nothing, however seemingly strong, can withstand His voice and power.
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (v11)
Have you ever noticed that before a thunderstorm, the environment is oppressive and uncomfortable? The after effect brings a much more refreshing and cooling atmosphere. When the Lord speaks into our lives by His Spirit, the effect brings the refreshment of His peace and blessing.
