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Daily Devotion: Psalm 97:1 and 6-9

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Psalm 97:1    "The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof."

Psalm 97:6-9    "The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.  (7)  Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.  (8)  Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.  (9)  For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods."

We read earlier in the Psalms, "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in." (Psalm 24:7) There are certain things that are absolutes, but we cannot always see them. Sometimes, we have our heads down and focus only on the things of this earth. We rob ourselves of the blessings of the great truths in today's Scriptures when we look around instead of looking up. We rob ourselves of blessings when we look inwardly instead of upwardly. When we lift our heads and hearts toward the Lord, then we can see and better understand that only our God, and no other, is in control. Sometimes, we place our confidence in the wrong things and the wrong people. The truth of the matter is that our God reigns. He rules. His will is that of righteousness. I'm going to be very simple this morning. It's unusual for me, but I'm up before the sun this morning. But this I know.... though there may be clouds in the sky, the sun will rise today! The only way that could be prevented would be if the Son of God appeared to call us home. Otherwise, the sun will be in the sky today. The moon and stars will be in the heavens tonight. How do I know? "The Lord reigns!" He has commanded and they obey; therefore, "let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof and... all the people see his glory." Some may want to place their dependence upon graven images and they may make their boasts in idols, but the absolute truth remains, "Our God reigns in righteousness and truth!" Those who trust images of things or people will be confounded and confused, but we who place our trust in the Lord will be glad. We shall rejoice "... because of thy judgments, O LORD.  (9)  For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods." So, which will it be today? Am I going to trust man who is incompetent? Or, am I going to place my complete trust in the One who has full authority both in heaven and earth?  I am in agreement with Joshua, "... as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

1 This is my Father's world, And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world:I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas-- His hand the wonders wrought.

3 This is my Father's world:O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.

This is my Father's world: Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

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