In order to truly worship the Lord, we must first humble ourselves to Him. “Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength.” (Ps 29:1) David speaks to the mighty ones of this earth, and warns them to look away from themselves (pride) and unto the LORD God of Israel (humble).

Though they may consider themselves to be mighty ones, and be so considered by others, they still should recognize their obligation to the LORD God. David called upon these mighty ones of the earth to recognize that the LORD has a glory and strength that far exceeds their own because He is the One True Creator God.

As God says in Isaiah 42:8: “I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.” Another Scripture makes it clear that the Lord alone is the Almighty: “That they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord, Are the Most High over all the earth.” (Ps 83:18) Anytime we become prideful, we must come to recognize that we are looking pridefully at ourselves, and not keeping our eyes on the Lord.

Let’s look at the first verse of the psalm with the second: “Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (Ps 29:1-2) This is a call to recognize the character and nature of the covenant God of Israel. God’s name is due all the glory, and we are to worship Him in the beauty of His holiness. God’s holiness — His “set-apart-ness” has a wonderful and distinct beauty about it. His holy love, grace, justice, and majesty are beautiful. 

These first two verses are an awe-filled acknowledgment that the Lord is due worship because of His glory, strength and holiness. It’s a call to truly KNOW Him, abide in Him and worship Him. “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” (Ps 27:4) 

What will you do today to worship the Lord in His glory, strength, and in the beauty of His holiness? If you don’t know, ask Him: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)