The Joy of Glory

Psalm 29 (click here to read the entire passage)
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 29:10-11)

Reflection
It’s that time of year again… baseball time!

If you know me, you know that baseball is really the only sport I kinda geek out about. And yes, the pros are only in spring training right now, but my son’s season is underway and I’m loving it… but I’m not sure if he is.

You see, Levi (my eldest son) is getting older and so the game is getting a bit more intense. This is the second year of “kid-pitch” for him, and the pitchers still don’t have great control, but they are beginning to throw harder and harder… that’s an anxiety inducing combination for any batter.

Naturally, Levi is nervous at the plate… always wondering if the next pitch will be headed for his face. However, during batting practice he seems calm and confident and he crushes the ball. What’s the difference?

The difference is that in batting practice it’s not a kid on the mound… it’s his coach. Levi has much more confidence in his coach’s control and that puts his heart at peace. He is able to give his full focus to the task at hand because he trusts the hands of the one holding the ball.

I wonder if we are able to experience peace like Levi at the plate…

In our day to day… as we encounter all the difficulties life throws at us, are we filled with fear or with faith. What makes the difference?

The difference lies in who we believe is in control. If everything depends on us, it is kind of like having a kid on the mound… we don’t know what the outcome will be and that is an anxiety inducing situation for anyone.

But…

If we believe that our God sovereignly reigns over all then we can have confidence in his control… our hearts can be put at peace! We can give our full attention to living faithfully in light of his call because we trust the hands of the one who holds the world!

Even as we face tragedy and sorrow… we have a peace-filled confidence in our king. For, the Psalmist says, “The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.” And what is the result of our confidence in his kingship over all? “May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!”

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.