Listen to today’s reading by Jonathan Dent:

Reading: Psalm 97:1-7 (NIV)*

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
    let the distant shores rejoice.
Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him
    and consumes his foes on every side.
His lightning lights up the world;
    the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
    before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
    and all peoples see his glory.
All who worship images are put to shame,
    those who boast in idols—
    worship him, all you gods!

Reflection

Who is in charge here? In any situation, that’s a legitimate question. There are always a variety of authorities in any given situation. A while back, I watched Prince William and his family get off a plane in Victoria, BC. On the tarmac the royal family was first greeted by the Governor General, then by the Prime Minister of Canada, then the Lieutenant Governor of the province and finally, the Premier of the province. They were all lined up according to proper protocol. Yes, there are a variety of authorities all deserving respect. But this question remains. Who is in charge here?  

The authorities of this world have jurisdiction over a certain geographic area or realm. Some authorities govern well and others rule as despots who plunder the wealth of the nation. But Psalm 97 reminds us there is one great authority who rules overall. The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice (v. 1).

The earth can be glad, and the distant shores can rejoice because this King, this heaven-dwelling authority rules well. He does not plunder His faithful people and bring them to ruin. He reigns supreme from on high. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne (v. 2).

We can rest assured the LORD will do what is right. He is allied with goodness, mercy, and truth. That’s why justice is the foundation of His throne. We should not fear His judgments because they are right and good. Yes, the authors of evil should be afraid, but if we have done right, we can count on the LORD as our defender. Now here is a proclamation we all should heed. The heavens proclaim his righteousness and all peoples see his glory (v. 6).