Day 580: Psalm 97- Joy In Our Salvation

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
    let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
    and burns up his adversaries all around.
4 His lightnings light up the world;
    the earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
    before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
    and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
    who make their boast in worthless 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, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
    you are exalted far above all gods.
10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil!
    He preserves the lives of his saints;
    he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown for the righteous,
    and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
    and give thanks to his holy name!
 
Meditation
The facts of the gospel are formative realities for God’s people. Verse one catapults us into this concept as this psalm tills the seedbed of our soul for a harvest of joy.
 
Fact: The Lord Reigns!
Formative reality: Let the earth rejoice!
 
The righteous rejoice in the Lord, giving thanks to His holy name (12). Light dawns for the righteous and joy for the upright in heart (11).  Those who do not trust God’s provision for righteousness not only miss the joy but also experience the justice of a holy God.
 
All people see God’s glory and character in creation (6) and are without excuse (Romans 1:20). God rules over all the earth and is exalted above all gods (9).  Worshippers of false gods will be put to shame (7) but the righteous will have joy in His name.
 
Where is God’s provision for righteousness and our path for joy? Jesus Christ alone. Faith in Christ alone makes us righteous (Philippians 3:9). God alone delivers. God alone preserves (10). God ensures fellowship with Him through the finished work of Jesus. Jesus took the justice we deserve and gives us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). In Christ we can rejoice in the fact that He reigns!
 
Richly Dwelling
- Do you have joy in your salvation? Why or why not?
 
-Is your faith in God alone for salvation, deliverance, and perseverance? If not, what are you trusting that is not the Lord?
 
-Join myself and king David in asking the Lord to restore a joy in your salvation (Psalm 51:10). This prayer will increase your faith AND help you be formed by the fact of the gospel- The Lord reigns!
 
Key verse
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!