Wake-Up Call: When Peace Isn’t from God
Psalm 29 + A Challenge to Fear the Lord Again
Today’s reading reminded me of a moment years ago.
A friend of mine—also a client—was fully committed to a big move. He had signed a contract to relocate three hours closer to community and godly friendships. But at the very last minute, after giving his word to me and the other agent, he backed out.
He’s highly analytical, so I assumed he had a strong reason. But his explanation felt weak and even scared.
One of his main reasons: “I just didn’t have peace about it.”
I’m sure he meant well, but his statement is where I want to focus.
The Western Idol of “Peace”
We live in a comfort-driven world. So it’s easy to confuse God’s peace with our preference for ease or lifestyle. But here’s the hard truth:
If you haven’t been spending time with God...
If you don’t walk in holy fear before Him...
Then the “peace” you feel might just be your flesh talking.
We are quick to call any open door "God’s will"—especially when it aligns with what we already want. But sometimes, His door is the stormy one. Most of the time, His path disrupts our plans, challenges our pride, and calls us to bow. Why? Because that’s how He gets through our thick wall of pride around our character to make us more like Jesus.
Psalm 29 Isn’t Gentle—It’s Glory in a Storm
David, the man after God’s own heart, writes:
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders…
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness.” (Psalm 29:3,8)
What imagery.
What power.
What a King.
Psalm 29 is not a gentle Psalm. It’s wild, chaotic, storm-splitting glory. The kind of glory that shatters idols and silences pride.
To the original hearers, this psalm would have crushed every lie of Baal worship—the false storm god—and obliterated any sense of casual, convenient religion. It would have reminded them of their ancestors and family and what God has been doing through them.
Yahweh doesn’t whisper His authority.
He thunders it.
So What About “Peace” in Decision-Making?
Peace isn’t a bad thing. But here’s the more profound question:
“Does this peace glorify God—or just make me comfortable?”
Before calling something “God’s will,” ask:
Does this choice advance His kingdom—or just my comfort?
Is this the easy path, or the obedient one?
Does this sound like the voice that shakes the wilderness?
Another wise prayer:
“Lord, if this is truly Your path, send someone to confirm what I’m hearing.”
It is not an overnight decision, and it may even take a few seasons, but take heart. Over time, if you spend daily time with Him, you’ll begin to discern His voice with greater clarity.
*Remember, it took you eighteen years to discern your parents’ wisdom and move out of the house to live on your own. And to achieve that, you stayed in their house, didn’t you? You spent daily time with them. So why do you expect to get an answer from God after fifteen minutes a day with Him?
When You Get It Wrong (and You Will)
If you’re new to the faith—or even if you’ve been walking with God for years—take heart:
You’re going to mess up. You’ll choose the wrong door. But God doesn’t disown you. He’s a Redeemer.
I once made a huge decision without Him:
I lost a college scholarship due to poor grades and decided to join the military without ever asking God. It seemed logical: they’d pay me, I’d get to lead, and I loved physical challenges. But it wasn’t surrendered.
Three or four years in, I finally brought God into my military life. And that’s when everything changed—baptisms, transformation, and building my first church in combat.
You’re allowed to mess up.
But if you don’t want to keep messing up on the same things—start spending intentional daily time with God!
Never Finished Challenge: Psalm 29 Edition
Theme:
“If God’s voice splits cedars, why do we live like His Word is optional?”
This challenge is for the lukewarm, the hungry, the hesitant.
It’s not a call to do more—but to bow lower.
Not to perform—but to burn again with holy fear.
Day 1: Reclaim the Fear of the Lord
Read Psalm 29 aloud. Slowly.
Ask: Do I live like this God is real?
Action: Write one area where you’ve been too casual with God—your time, your speech, your habits. Repent, and invite Him to reign there fully.
Day 2: Silence Everything but His Voice
No music. No podcasts. No background noise.
Read Psalm 29 again. Sit in silence.
Prayer: “Lord, let Your voice be the loudest one in my life.”
Day 3: Create a Storm List
List every “storm” in your life—stress, fear, pressure, pain.
Next to each, write:
“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood.” (v.10)Declaration: Speak Psalm 29:11 out loud—
“The Lord gives strength to His people.”
Day 4: Abstain from Lukewarm Living
Pick one comfort to abstain from today (social media, sweets, entertainment).
Ask: Have I been choosing ease over obedience?
Prayer: “God, make me holy, not just happy.”
Day 5: Honor God Publicly
Text or tell someone what God is stirring in you from Psalm 29.
Action: Say out loud today: “Glory!” (v.9)
Then live like it.
What does today say about God?
He is not safe, but He is good! He is beyond good. Everything He has done, is doing, and will do is perfect.
And somehow, in His family, it will be for my good.
What a King,
What a Voice.
What a Father!
Thank you, Jesus!