Psalm 97:1-12
97:1 The best way to wake up, go to sleep and to endure the day is to remember this statement: The Lord reigns. For because the Lord reigns, the earth and humanity within it have reason to rejoice and be glad. Throughout the day and night we can lean on the strength of our God and hope in His promises.
97:2-6 God appears as a mystery to those who do not seek, but to those who do, He is found to be Light. He is the strength and hope of our endurance on earth. The world has not declared justice and peace, humans make selfish and reckless decisions but God has declared righteousness and justice as the foundation of His kingdom. His kingdom, which will come to earth with absolute authority.
God's authority will enforce justice across all of the earth and humanity. His presence will shake and reform the earth; the nations will bow to His reign and the evil will cease to exist. For the decisions humans make with their free will on earth will determine their eligibility to live in heaven. What is unjust and unrighteous will be burned up and excluded from life.
97:7-9 It is shameful to worship carved images and idols because inanimate objects are powerless. The idols of fame and wealth and power only corrupt the soul and subsequently, the world. This Psalm encourages us to divest ourselves of idol worship. Instead: devote our souls completely to the truth, to God who is powerful and righteous with His power.
97:10-12 When we love the Lord, we must hate evil. It seems simple but we must learn to reject things like wealth and fame, fear and anger. All of those things are masters that control our behavior. They cause us to act selfishly. They cause us to do more damage than good. They make us ignorant and unproductive.
Conversely, the word of God teaches us to be selfless, wise, restorative, productive, perceptive. And all that He gives to us we share with others thus perpetuating justice and righteousness. Our contribution becomes a part of the foundation of the kingdom.
