The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around Him;
righteousness and justice are the foundations of His throne.
Fire goes before Him
and burns up His adversaries all around.
His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth. (Ps 97:1-5)
God’s rule and reign is not subtle. It is earth shaping, and shaking
The heavens proclaim His righteousness,
and all the peoples see His glory.
All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship Him, all you gods! (Ps 97:6-7)
When God displays His righteousness and glory, every knee will bow and every tongue confess (Phil 2:10-11). On that day our misguided worship will be set right. Even the objects of our perverted affection will be found facedown before the true God (1 Sam 5:4).
Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of Your judgments, O LORD.
For You, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.
O you who love the LORD, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of His saints;
He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,
and give thanks to His holy name! (Ps 97:8-12)
Hear and be glad! Rejoice oh lovers of God! Your world may seem out of control, but you are persevered and delivered by the Most High over all the earth (v9). Our hearts can rest and rejoice – regardless of circumstance – when we recognize His rule and reign, in the world and in our lives.
Lord, we confess our desire to rule and reign. We confess that we are quick to question Your good judgments. Give us eyes to see beyond circumstance, and to see Your glory and righteousness on display. We worship You as rightful King, and Ruler over all the earth – and we are glad. In Jesus name, amen.
Rejoicing,
AB
