The voice of the Lord is LOUD. Glory! Many people experience
God in the beauty of nature; sunsets, mountain tops, misty lakes at dawn and
the like. Such things are generally experienced in solitude and bring a sense
of peace and contentment. I’m not sure I would equate the blessing of peace
with a voice that strips a forest bare. But the psalmist imagines the glory and
splendor of God in the terrible and terrifying. Making Lebanon skip like a
young bull is just a poetic way of saying earthquake and flashing fire doesn't need to strike twice to get you diving for cover. This image of a terrible and
terrifying God evokes praise not only from nature but from the heavenly beings
who know a thing or two about terrifying and maybe that is the point. This
voice cannot be ignored or denied and all the forces of the universe are
obliged to respond. But for those who belong to the Voice hearing God in the
terrible and terrifying means the terrible is less terrifying for God present
in the whirlwind and the earthquake is our strength and peace. And when from
the cross God cried out with a loud voice even death had to sit up and take
notice and admit it was finished. And that is a blessing of peace indeed. Glory!
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