If Psalm 96 is a crescendo of worship, then we reached the climax in Psalm 97. Reading Psalm 97, various classical music played in my mind. Verdi’s Dies irae came to mind. (I know, it’s about Judgement Day. However, it gives me the sense of reverend awe when I picture God persiding to judge the world.)
1. The Lord Reigns
We see the majesty of God in the first six verses. Verse one seems to tell us the Lord reigns and that’s all that matters. Isn’t that true?
Why can’t I earn enough?
Why did my company have to shut down their operations in Malaysia?
Why do I have to get sick?
Why did Ricky (the golden retriever) have to die?
Why is there cancer?
Why are there wars?
Why is there injustice and discrimination?
The Lord reigns. Despite whatever that is taking place in your life and in the world, do you still believe God is in charge? If you do believe he is, please take a chill pill. You can let go of the world now, he got it. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He does not need our help. Calm down. If your sugar intake allows it, take a break, have a Kit Kat. The Lord reigns.
Have a little faith. We go to a chair, and we sit on it. We go home, not having to nail planks or stuff to keep the house standing. If you can have faith on a chair or a house, surely you can trust God who is the creator of all things, who is the Almighty, who reigns.
2. Not so good for some
Verse seven tells us some who got on the wrong side of the track – those who worship images. Images are those manmade idols. Images here could also be anything we put at a place higher than God. It can be anything. Please remember to give God the glory he deserves. Give him the devotion he deserves. Don’t be fooling around.
3. God loves good boys and good girls
I tell Ben (my dog) he is a good boy all day long because he is and because I love him that much. God loves us so much. Don’t we want to be good boys and good girls to our Father in heaven? Look at what the psalmist said about being good boys and girls.
They are glad because of his judgement. They exalt God. They love God. They hate evil. Hate, not “don’t mind.” It means they don’t want to have anything to do with evil. They rejoice in the Lord. They are righteous. They praise him.
That’s our KPI of being a good boy or a good girl for God.
Now, let’s sing praises to his name. Let’s lift him up. Stay away from idols. And be a good boy / good girl.
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