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. They 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 and Sirion 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 the 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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