Psalm 29 His Strength Gives Us Peace

Daily Bible Study for Monday August 8, 2016

By: Hanny Lynn Stearns

Fish N Loaves Ministries, Inc.

“Multiplying God’s Word Around The Globe”

Chapter Reading for Today: Please read in your Bible before proceeding. Note that most translations are considered paraphrases. The Young’s Literal Translation provides a more accurate translation since he is the one who authored a concordance. Others are helpful for seeing a different perspective, but we cannot always depend on their wording. I hope this is helpful to you. If you are studying in another version, that is fine. I am studying from the KJV, but for the purpose of this study, I will keep it with the New King James Version.

One final note: I will put the scripture in italics to differentiate from my own writing. I am adding red to the letters when it is Jesus talking – just like the Bible. Thank you.

Bible Gateway Verse of the Day

Psalm 149:4

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

Psalm 100:4

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Song: You Amaze Us  By: Selah

Psalm 29

His Strength Gives Us Peace

We see a lot about the Lord’s strength in today’s passage, don’t we? We are called to worship Him in holiness (purity) for who He is, and for His strength and His glory (honor). God has a voice that is so full of strength that it can shake anything on this planet. With all that power, how can we get something so tender and serene as peace from Him? Today we will honor Him while He shows us how we can get that peace from His mighty power and strength. Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father;

We come together, the children of the Most High God and give You praise and honor – all the glory that is due to You Lord! You are worthy of all our praise. You are such a big God that we cannot begin to wrap our human minds around Your greatness and strength. Yet as big as You are, You give the gifts that are a quiet as a gentle meadow in springtime. Father, I ask You to speak to Your children today in this message. Touch them deep inside and lavish them with Your wonderful peace in a chaotic world. Let Your word come forth through me Father, unhindered and unchecked by any outside force or my flesh. Lord, as we study, we will make it our goal to please You with faith in Your word and as a result, we will be doers of Your word and not forgetful hearers. Thank You for always watching over Your word to perform it in our lives when we place our trust in You and obey what You tell us. Thank You in advance for Your perfect peace and answers to this prayer in Jesus name. Amen.

What do you think of when you think of peace? Perhaps looking out at a calm lake, or a field of tall grass and wildflowers. Maybe even glancing up into the sky as the sun sets with an array of beautiful colors. Where we live in southwest Florida many come from all over the world to sit on the warm sandy beaches and gaze out at the gulf with the beautiful skyline that adorns it. It seems to give people a great sense of peace. For many on the planet, peace is an unreachable thing. They do not know how to get it, yet their hearts deeply long for it. Many have heard of it but do not believe it is available for them. Others have not even dared to think that they would ever experience true peace in this life.

In today’s Psalm, we see the Psalmist focusing on the strength that comes from the voice of the Lord. Never mind what E.F. Hutton says (Old TV Commercial – LOL!), when God speaks, things really do happen! How can something, or better yet, someone so big, so awesome, so thunderously strong bring peace to a troubled heart? If more knew that answer they would be flocking to the arms of our Savior by the droves! People are running here and there with hearts that are unsettled and driven to and fro by the calamities of life, when there is a mighty, awesome and powerful God – their Creator, who can swoop in to their hearts and give them a peace that passes their human understanding.

Imagine yourself sitting on an old fashioned porch swing next to Jesus. Those of us who have Jesus as our Savior can pretty easily picture this. Imagine just resting your head on His shoulder as the two of you swing gently back and forth, gazing out into a field of flowers. The warm summer breeze is kissing your faces and there is no noise whatsoever except the sweet sounds of a bird’s song of praise, and an occasional meow from the cat nestled in the woods nearby. If all of this seems a bit far-fetched to you, stay tuned. God’s word, the Bible, which is His spoken and true word, gives us assurance that in Him we really can have peace.

Some think that earthly things can give them peace. They think a bank account stocked with cash can give it. Others think that having a nice home with a great family can give us peace. Good health is another security blanket for many. A good job, a strong position in the community. Imagine living downstream from a huge dam, or even Niagara Falls, and thinking the dam is sparing your home from a flood of water that would wash it all away. Would you have peace because the dam is there physically holding the waters back? But what if the dam were to burst? We wouldn’t have much peace then, would we? All of these things can seem like they can bring us peace, but in the end, every one of these things and more can collapse around us – especially when that is where we are looking for our peace to come from.

Jesus is called the prince of peace. Let’s look at this…

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

In this life we have a real enemy who wants to steal our peace – but when Jesus came into the world, He carried the weight of our sin and the enemy’s ability to steal our peace so we could really have that peace that only He can give. To have the government on one’s shoulder’s is to bear authority over laws, or a kingdom. Jesus did that. He carried the weight of the law from the Old Testament on His shoulders and took it all to Calvary. From there, He would die and go to hell for us so we wouldn’t have to go. Then He would rise again victorious with all authority in heaven and earth being given to Him. This authority is over the evil one who is constantly trying to steal peace from God’s people. And Jesus said He gave us the authority over the enemy when He left…

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

So we know by this that we have authority over the one who is trying to steal our peace. Before I surrendered my life and will to the Lord over 10 years ago, I did not understand what real peace was. I couldn’t sit down for 5 minutes without having things going on around me, like a television set, or kids carrying on. I couldn’t stand the quiet for too long. It would just bother me. Why? Because inside my heart, I did not understand that my Prince of Peace was there to comfort me.

I was saved at 9 years old, but never growing in my faith all those years, I was unsettled in my soul. There was a lot of chaos going on inside of me – a lot of hurt, pain and disappointments. Who needs to look at movies with wars in them when a person has their own war going on inside of them, right? Many times our minds are racing here and there. When we are not controlling our thoughts with the word of God, the enemy can cause us to run a marathon in our minds without ever having left our chair. He can bring thoughts of worry, doubt, fear and all kinds of anxieties that steal our peace and rob us of the joy of the Lord that was given to be our strength. But the Lord of glory whom we praise as His children, has given us all the peace we will ever need. How many realize that when Jesus said He gave us His peace, it means that He imparted that to us when He said it, and it is already ours? Let’s look…

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Friends, He really has given us something so precious that the outside world knows nothing about – that is, until they accept His free gift of salvation. In fact, what they do not realize is that they are already saved. The work has been done. The only thing left for them to do is to accept it. But many are not doing this. Getting Jesus in our hearts to live and reign as the King of kings and the Prince of Peace gives us a precious commodity that cannot be bought. Just today, as I began this study, I looked out my window to see the driving Florida summer rain. It gave me a cozy, sleepy feeling inside. Since I have found out about the love and peace that comes from my Savior’s heart to mine, I can sit and relax and get quiet with Him. I can enjoy the rain, and resting in His arms.

But that only comes from a relationship with Him. Religion won’t give it. Man can’t earn it. Nobody can buy it, and nobody can steal it. It is a free gift that comes wrapped up in one beautiful package of a man named Jesus, the Son of God who gave His life to pay for all mankind’s sins. By accepting Him as Savior, we can have peace that will rule in our hearts…

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 

Yes, peace can be something that rules in our hearts rather than troubles and worries, doubts and fears. When we think of that great big dam holding back the flooding waters, we can think of God; our great and powerful God. The one who made the heavens and the earth can hold back the floods in our lives so that they will not sweep over us. Look at what He tells us in Isaiah…

Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

If you could look out at your life right now and see all your problems solved, all your bills paid, all your sickness healed, and everything that could possibly concern you in your relationships and daily work, would that give you peace? If every trouble was lifted that you are currently experiencing was eliminated and you were living as if in a beautiful dream – would you be at peace? The truth of this life is that we will have trouble. No one escapes it. It is a fact of life in a sin cursed, fallen world. But look at what Jesus said…

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Friends, this verse shows us that even though we will have things come up in our lives in every area to challenge us, because we have a real enemy out there trying to destroy us, we can have a peace that transcends it all – hallelujah! When I lost everything and came to Florida, I had to learn to depend on God for every need. Whether it was car repair, a job, food or clothing, gas and car insurance and cell phone money – everything I needed I had to depend on Him. This was new to me.

After being tossed out of my mother’s house at the age of 15, while just a few months pregnant and scared beyond description, I had to learn to survive. I had to work so I could eat. I had to pay bills so I could have things. I had to learn to manage on my own. I missed out on my childhood and completely missed high school. I wanted to go to college one day. I wanted to do so many things. I was thinking that I had such a desire to enjoy so many opportunities, but those hopes were quickly drowned out by the flood of troubles that came my way as a result of some very poor choices. I did not know the way of peace. Many do not know this way…

Isaiah 59:8

The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace.

This passage is a summation of people who practice evil and seek it toward others. Those who are not walking with the Lord will not know or find the way of peace. Back in my younger days, I had no idea about the things of God. I lived in sin and did whatever was necessary to survive out there in a great big scary world. I was never much of a ‘tough girl’, so it was a very difficult time for me. I was always a pretty tender and sensitive person, and I did not like violence and trouble. 

As hard as I worked to survive, I couldn’t find peace. The thing I needed the most escaped me. I remember hitch hiking all over this United States, running from state to state. Many times I was alone when I traveled and I can tell you that I was more than just a little scared. I had to depend on complete strangers to get me where I wanted to go. And the thing is, I really had no clue where I was going. I was running after air.

It was as if I was running away from a flood, but the water was always right there splashing at my feet. I was always just a step away from being overwhelmed. It was nothing short of a miracle that I didn’t end up murdered on the side of the road, or raped and beaten and left for dead. The Lord knows I had plenty of opportunities for that to happen. How I kept from being overwhelmed by the flood was only by the grace of God. I believe that because I accepted Jesus as my Savior at the age of 9, I have had an angel with me who stayed really busy keeping me from harm’s way. I was in countless dangerous situations, and it could only be the hand of God keeping me dry when the flood waters were raging so close to me.

I have no idea who is reading this study today. My blog is currently being read (or has been read) in the US, Liberia, Africa, France, Germany, Russia, China, Ireland, Ukraine, Netherlands, Latvia and Brazil – praise the Lord! I send this out to my local acquaintances, and I don’t know how many actually are reading this. Many have their own churches and studies they are doing – I understand that. But for those of you around the US and outside of my country, (whoever is reading this with a heart hungry for God’s love and peace) I want to encourage you.

Whatever you may be going through, no matter how difficult it may seem right now, the Prince of Peace can come and still the floodwaters in your soul right now. He is the One who can calm all fear, relieve all the pressure, diminish any doubts. He is strong and powerful, yet He is so tender and gentle. They do not call Him the Prince of Peace for nothing. He really can bring peace to a troubled soul. He really can make us feel loved and cared for even though we cannot see His physical face – yet. He really can plug up that dam that seems to burst from within bringing a flood of tears and thoughts of despair. He is able to hold back the flood waters like no one else.

I stand amazed today as the rains have come down so hard, and I have felt such peace within – my heart and soul. There were so many times that I cried what seemed like a dam bursting. At times the tears just wouldn’t stop. But after the storm, the calm came – the peace. As we mature in our walk with Jesus, we learn to disarm the lies of the enemy as soon as they come. We learn to look to Jesus so we don’t have to be anxious…

Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

A lot of Christians have memorized this verse in their heads, but have never really lived it or worked it. What does it mean to work it? We have to take what is bothering us to the Lord and literally give it Him in a time of prayer. It is really easy, though we often make it much harder than it has to be. Imagine taking this really heavy rock you are carrying and handing it to someone. Instantly you would sense relief, right? It is exactly the same with the Lord in this verse. We take what is troubling us and hand it over to Him. We tell Him in essence, “Lord, I am giving You this issue____. I can’t carry it any more. You take it.” And that is all you have to do.

What do we get in return for that? Look at the next part of the verse. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Once we give that “boulder” away, the load is lighter, and we think, “Whew, I feel so much better!” Then the peace comes. Next, we walk away. We are determined not to pick it up again. Then stand back and watch how God works in your circumstances. And He will! I assure you because He has done it for me time and again. He is a faithful and awesome God.

Today the verses talk of the power of His voice. What God says matters. What He says brings results. And if we agree with what His word says, we will get results – really good ones. I didn’t know what the Lord wanted to say to us today. I felt like I was at the edge of the Red Sea once again as my hands hit this keyboard. But He is talking to someone out there in this world that He loves so much. He is trying to reach you right now. He is calling you to come in out of the flood and bask in His perfect peace. Whoever you are, just let go of the life raft you have been hanging on to, and grab His hand. He won’t let the waters over flow you. He wants to hold you close and cradle you in His arms. He wants to comfort you. He is the God of all comfort…

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

You have had a flood of troubles surrounding you, and you think it is going to overflow you, and drown you – but it won’t! His mighty hand and outstretched arm is going to hold the floodwaters back. He will not let them sweep over you. Allow His comfort to smooth over the places that hurt. Sit in His lap and let Him hold you. Let Him rock you and comfort you. Everything will be alright. Just keep your focus on Him, and He will pull you right through this…

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

You can trust Him. You really can. He will not leave you or forsake you…

Hebrews 13:5

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

He is calling you to Himself right now. Whatever you are doing, just stop and ask Him to come in and bring you His peace as you cast all your cares on Him…

1 Peter 5:7

casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Questions:

What is the resounding theme of this Psalm in your understanding?

Have you been living in the perfect peace lately or in the flood?

How can we experience the peace of God?

What makes it possible for the Lord to give us His peace?

What assurance do we have from His word that He is always with us?

What promise did Jesus give us about His peace?

Write down what has been overwhelming you lately. As you write, let Holy Spirit lead you. 

You may be surprised at what He brings up and out.

There are three main points to consider from today’s study…

What God says is stronger than any earthly power we can see or imagine

Jesus is our Prince of Peace who came to give us His peace

We can give everything that is bothering us to the Lord – He will comfort us

                        Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

Thank You Lord for caring about me so much. Father, I ask You to forgive me for not trusting You with the things that have been concerning me. Lord, as of right now, I want to give You every trouble, every burden, yes, everything that seems to be flooding over me. I am going to place my trust in You that You love me Lord and You will work it all out in some way, even though I can’t understand how. Father, help me to see the ways I have been allowing the enemy to steal my peace. As You do, I will make it my goal to trust You with every matter and remember by Holy Spirit that You care for me every minute of every day. As Your eye is on the sparrow Lord, so much more it is on me. I thank You for that in Jesus name. Amen.

Now that you have cast all your cares on Him, how do you feel?

And God Said… You fill in the blanks.

                                             

Psalm 29:11

The Lord will give strength to His people;
The Lord will bless His people with peace.