Our God Reigns
Opening Prayer
Take a walk (or at least look out a window) and thank God for the signs you see of his power, glory, and mystery.
Read Psalm 97:1-12
[1] The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. [2] Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. [3] Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. [4] His lightning lights 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 peoples see his glory. [7] All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols- worship him, all you gods! [8] Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, LORD. [9] For you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. [10] Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. [11] Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. [12] Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does the psalmist contrast God and idols?Have you ever marveled at lightning and felt the ground tremble with thunder? The composer of Psalm 97 conjures up a picture of God that presents us with the same experience. The psalmist has a clear theological position: there is one God, and he alone reigns. He is “the” Lord (1) and not one of many gods. The other “deities” are simply man-made idols and images (7) that should be rejected as false (9). Our God reigns over all things, including the created order (1,9) and our destinies (10). Despite his being hidden from human sight, his power is clear for all to see (6). It is in him alone that justice and righteousness are to be found, in his hand alone that our future lies. If this is the type of God in whom we trust, then at Christmastime we need to be people of praise, worship, and intent. We should proclaim his glory so the whole earth will acknowledge him as Lord of all and walk in his light.
Apply
Have you been letting anything take the place of God in your heart? If so, recommit to putting God first.
Closing prayer
Lord, encourage me in my journey, give me a fresh vision of Your majesty, and enable me to speak boldly for You.
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