Enthroned over the Flood

“Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
    the God of glory thunders,
    the Lord, over many waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is full of majesty...

In his temple all cry, ‘Glory!’

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
    the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
    May the Lord bless his people with peace!” Psalm 29:1-4,9-11

“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10

Enthroned. Sovereign, bearing regal and perfect authority, in supreme control. Over the waters, over the flood. Watching, ordering volume and direction and force. Source and end. Unflappable, all powerful, the Lord sits vigilant and victorious above and upholding His own. Worship His strength and splendor!

Many are the waters in life, and varied their flow. We pant through dry spells, barely a trickle of inspiration, energy, hope. Strength diminishes, relationships dim, passion wanes. We choke in storms, overcome by rushing disappointments, hurt, regret. Fear overwhelms, perspective muddies, peace topples.

Yet there is One above the water, over the flood, whose voice is majestic and peace is sure. We must listen, look up, focus on His glory over the trouble and torrent. He fashions every drop. He displays holy purpose in the thunder. He proves His love and keeping. Do we trust Him enough to ascribe to Him worth and rest in His word?

What drought has spread its arid malaise at work, at home, in spiritual life? What thawing obstacles cause new interruptions or dread? What relentless pressing stresses, unanswered questions, relational difficulties threaten to drown us? Look to the Lord who is over the waters! Sing His might and majesty! Rejoice that He is King! Choose strength, rest secure in His peace! He rules and blesses forever!

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~R. Keen (1787)

Almighty Father, in every flood, keep me trusting and praising Your strength and glory.