Psalm 97 paints an inspiring picture of God. He is declared
in all his glory. It begins with a declaration of his sovereignty in v.1. Then
vv. 2-6 God’s awesomeness is dramatically portrayed. Verse 7 stands alone to
shout God’s holiness; he is the only God. Finally, vv. 8-9 speak of God’s
righteousness.
Do you believe these revealed truths about God? Let’s take
just one. To borrow from a true story from the 17th century, let me
personalize it for you. Do you believe that God ruled the world quite well
before you were born? Do you believe he will rule it quite well after you are
gone? Then can you trust him to rule the world, including your life and affairs,
while you are living? I think we all know the answer to that. But the question
is do we live as if it is true.
The Psalm ends with an exhortation to God’s people to give
thanks to him and to hate evil (10-12). If God is truly who this Psalm says he
is, then his people ought to hate that which grieves him, i.e., sin. Can we
honestly say that we hate sin or do we long for it? I believe that focusing on
God and his sovereignty, holiness and righteousness will help us to hate sin in
comparison to him.
Prayer: Father, you are awesome in every way. You alone are
God and worthy of our worship and praise. Help us to worship you and be
grateful to you all of our days. And Lord fill us with a divine hatred of the
things that grieve your heart. Fill us with a longing for you and the delight
we have in you. Help us to live in such a way that the world glorifies you.
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