Psalm 97

A Bible Devotion from Psalm 97

Rejoice in the Lord

1 The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad!

2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. 3 A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies round about. 4 His lightnings light the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.

7 Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods. 8 Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of Your judgments, O LORD. 9 For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.

10 You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
Psalm 97, NKJV

Praise God that the Lord reigns; that alone gives us a reason, for all eternity, to praise God and be glad.

Look how He is portrayed in the 97th Psalm, verses 2 through 6: clouds and darkness, fire that goes up before Him, His lightnings light the world. How does the world respond? The earth sees and trembles; the mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord.

Among men there are two reactions. Those who worship idols and serve carved images are put to shame. Even these false idols will worship God. Zion, representing the true believers, hears of God's judgment and is glad. As a matter of fact, God's people rejoice.

Why is this so? Because the Lord preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. We are so focused on this present world which will only pass away. How much more should we focus on the time of judgment to come? You will not be judged by people who can be twisted or bribed; rather, you will be judged by God who knows all hearts. His judgment will be perfect.

Remember Psalm 97 and pray today that you will rejoice over the judgment of God to come and not be focused on this passing world.

Next: Psalm 98 - Let the Rivers Clap Their Hands

More Devotions on the 97th Psalm from my blog, Daily Bible Devotions.

All the People See His Glory! verses 1-6

Thou Art Exalted, verses 7-9

In His Hands, verses 10-12