SOAP 11/17/2015; Psalm 93:3-4

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 7, 8, 9, 10*

S) "³ The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
The floods have lifted up their voice,
The floods lift up their pounding waves.
⁴ More than the sounds of many waters,
Than the mighty breakers of the sea,
The Lord on high is mighty."

Psalm 93:3-4 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 93

O) In this psalm of God's majesty, the writer used one of the most powerful scenes we have in nature, and ascribed it to the might of God. Flooding waves, breakers at sea, the sounds of many waters, all of these are generally descriptions of destructive force. After all, God used a flood to destroy the world once. So, humanity should fully understand the kind of power that is the LORD'S to command. That is not to say that every flood that takes place is because God wants to punish people, or that breakers at sea that capsize huge boats are His righteous judgment. I mean, that could be true, but Jesus seemed to make it clear that those types of disasters cannot be oversimplified (see Luke 13:4-5). Still, the imagery paints a clear picture. The sheer power of God is simply beyond anything we see in the natural world around us. All of the destructive powers, which mankind is helpless to prevent, are nothing compared to the might of the LORD Himself.

A) There are a few things for me to remember from this passage. The first, might very well be that natural disasters (which used to be called "acts of God" by insurance companies, and the like), may not actually be God executing some broad judgment. Nevertheless, the Bible also makes it clear that one day, there will be a Final, all-inclusive judgment. When that Judgment Day comes, humanity will be powerless to resist the will of God, and there will be many who would rather face every natural disaster instead, but will not be able to bargain with the Almighty. Second, when I do witness the awesome forces at work within nature, I must remember that they testify to the overwhelming and irresistible power of God. Fearing the LORD is not my default posture, so every reminder I have for reasons to be humbled before His might, should be given full consideration.

P) Father, there have not been many times when nature has terrified me, but even seeing it secondhand, or hearing harrowing stories, should be used to point me back to Your awesome might. You are great beyond measure, powerful beyond comparison, and mighty beyond challenge. Open my eyes that I will properly fear You, God. At the same time, never let me lose sight of Your ever-present grace, mercy, and abounding love. In all of Your overpowering strength, You are still so gentle and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. Open my ears to hear of Your grace, mercy, and love, to fill me with Your peace, hope, and joy. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.