Psalm Meditation 1169 ¶Proper 28 ¶November 13, 2022 ¶Psalm 29 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+29&version=NRSVUE (NRSV) ¶A term I learned in seminary is, ‘the efficacious word.’ It means, saying it makes it so. A couple of near examples are: ‘When I say ‘jump’ you ask how high!’ and ‘Make it so, Number One.’ They are almost example because a true efficacious word does not need to be explained, it happens. “Let there be light, and there was light.” is truly an efficacious word. God is not the only one who makes things happen with a word, however when I use the term, I am usually thinking of God. ¶The psalmist marvels at the variety of ways the voice of the LORD makes things happen in the world and the rest of Creation. With a word God can either calm or roil the waters of the earth. God can rattle the earth and break giant cedar and oak trees. As we watch all this unfold all we can do is look with eye popping, open mouthed awe. We are awed by the power and majesty of God as well as the recognition that God loves us and is attentive to our needs. ¶The God who can strip a forest bare and shake the ground around us with a word cares enough about us to give us the strength to face all that comes our way. Experience shows that God does not give us each enough strength to face our trials. Rather God surrounds us with people who have resources we lack and gives us what those around us need. As we join together to meet each other’s needs we find ourselves at peace even in the face of storms. ¶November 7, 2022 ¶LCM