Psalms 97:1

Psalms 97:1 says, The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.  This psalm says much the same as the last one, and that is that God reigns.  Since God reigns, and reigns in particular over those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, we are to rejoice.  Verse two adds, Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.  Though the world without about God may be full of darkness, righteousness and judgment come through God and a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Verse three states, A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.  Though we may not see it, a fire does await those who refuse to accept Jesus Christ.  Verse four adds, His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.  God's power is compared to lightning, there for all the world to see.  I don't believe that anyone can honestly deny the evidence of the existence and power of God, though many, many claim to.  Verse five continues,  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.  God has the power to melt the hills, or the whole earth for that matter, with His word.  We either accept that or reject it.  Verse six declares, The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.  Even the heavens declare the righteousness of God and show His glory to all the world.  Verse seven adds, Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.  When Jesus Christ returns in glory, all those who put their faith in idols will be confounded, so there is a call by David for everyone to put their faith in Jesus Christ and to worship Him alone.  We cannot worship Jesus Christ and still worship any idol.  Verse eight says, Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.  Those who are truly God's people hear and rejoice because of God's judgments, which bring them into an everlasting relationship with God as a part of His kingdom.  Verse nine adds, For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.  We, like the people then, worship God because He is above everything else.  Verse ten states, Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.  We who love God, His people through our faith in Jesus Christ, are called on to hate evil because God has preserved our souls.  We should have no fear of the evil of the world, because as followers of Christ we have everlasting victory.  Verse eleven adds, Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.  The Light of God shines for those who are made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ.  As Christians, we are made upright in our heart and should live in gladness.  Verse twelve continues, Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.  We, those who are made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, which is the only way to be made righteous,  need to give thanks to God in remembrance of what He has done for us.  We have everlasting life through our relationship with Jesus Christ, and for this we should daily rejoice.