HOT STUFF

Yes, (baby), it was hot outside—no intended reference to a 1979 high-energy disco anthem about passionate connection which elevated the “hot stuff” saying. (Whew!). The first thing that came to my mind when I checked my outdoor thermometer one day was a quote from a half-century-plus ago, by Harry S Truman: “If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.” (Ironically, this thermometer was in the shade outside the kitchen window!) In at least two instances, his quote came out in committee and staff meetings dealing with some heavy-duty national concerns. The essence is this: if the pressure of a high-stakes task is too much for you to cope with, leave so someone more capable can take over.

Few remember that Truman grew up in a Baptist church in Missouri, and claimed to have read through the Bible twice before he was twelve. He was said to have considered the Bible the moral core of American government. (More here: Sam Rushay: Harry S. Truman was a man of true faith ). (1) But long before Truman there lived another guy who found “the kitchen” way too hot. In his case, the kitchen was his God-invitation to the royal palace, which its current occupant did not want to leave. You've probably guessed: David, anointed to replace King Saul, but who had to endure a tumultuous transition in which Saul hunted him down like a criminal.

It's unlikely we'll be hiding in caves and behind rocks in a desperate effort to escape a would-be killer. But those intensive, faith-challenging times birthed the lyrics behind many of David's psalms. He didn't “get out of the kitchen.” He had to endure life in the “heat.” He listened to the voice of God, not that of his enemies. His Psalm 29 seems to emphasize that. Seven times he writes about the power of “the voice of God.” It's not an audible voice (as cartoonists tend to illustrate, which I think trivializes the mystery and power of God). But it's His voice revealed in His creation and the circumstances of life.

As I consider the imagery of Psalm 29, I notice that much is connected with loud, thunderous, scary storms. The psalm has vivid verbs: thunders, breaks, strikes, shakes, twists. It ends with God enthroned over all of this—after all, He created it! And the conclusion?

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. (v. 11)

Life will have its share of storms. But through the tumult and mess and destructive power, these never change: His strength, His peace. The writer of Psalm 119 claimed this offer: “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word” (v. 28). The heat in the spiritual “kitchen” may get oppressive, but we don't have to stay in there and “stew” without relief when God offers His presence and help.

(1) Sam Rushay: Harry S. Truman was a man of true faith