Passage: Psalm 97
The Big Idea
Psalm 97 shows the King in His terrifying glory: clouds and darkness, fire, lightning and mountains melting like wax. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Yet the same King preserves the souls of His saints and sows light for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart. Only at the cross can a throne of perfect justice also be a throne of grace.
Reflections
The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice (v. 1). You’re a good Master. You care, and everything You do is perfect, including Your reign in my life. Words fall short. Help me rejoice from the heart, with joy that overflows.
Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne (v. 2). You’re mighty and awesome, and You don’t make mistakes. I feel guilty, yet the blood of Jesus makes condemnation impossible. You’ve forgiven me, and I stand in it, dance in it and rejoice in it. Righteousness and justice are the foundation, and on top of that foundation sits a throne of grace. Only You could combine those. Only You could remain perfectly just and still give grace.
A fire goes before Him (v. 3). No one can stand against You. You see the heart, not just the outward appearance. Thank You for the refining fire in my life. I hate it, and it’s scary, but You’re always faithful. You burn away the dross. You’re a good Father.
His lightnings light the world… the mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord (vv. 4-5). Out of my control, out of my league, and nothing to You. Even mountains can’t stand before You. And yet, when I study Your character, I find You’re good and kind to all who call on You. My heart believes it.
The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory (v. 6). It’s there to behold now if we’re willing to look, and one day everyone will see. The stars are good for the soul; Your power is on display there.
Let all be put to shame who serve carved images (v. 7). Anything made by human hands, a screen, a trophy, a building, can become an idol. Only You are God, Jesus.
Zion hears and is glad… because of Your judgments (v. 8). The weak trust You because You care for them, as a father cherishes his daughter. Provide all my family needs.
For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth (v. 9). It’s right to lift You high. It’s what I was made to do.
You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints (v. 10). Set me free from mental stress, hurt, worry and fear. I trust calmly in Your preservation and provision.
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart (v. 11). Light to see by, and gladness as an unseen glory. You make me righteous and establish my heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name (v. 12). Rejoice is the command, and give thanks. I will!
Grace Takeaway
The King surrounded by fire and darkness is the same King who sits on a throne of grace. Because Jesus satisfied justice, you can come near without fear, rejoice in His reign and give thanks at the memory of His holy name.
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