Well friends, Psalm 97 has been a challenging and a deep one, and I hope that you’re still with me here as we consider how often the psalmist talks about joy in this Psalm.
The very first verse says: “The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” (Psalm 97:1) In other words, the knowledge of God should make anybody, anywhere around the planet, be filled with joy!
It doesn’t matter your culture. It doesn’t matter your skin colour. It doesn’t matter your age. But if you place your faith in the God who reigns, you will surely be glad and you will surely rejoice.
Ways in Which God Brings Joy
Verse 8 says that “Zion hears and rejoices, and the villages of Judah are glad because of God’s judgments.” That’s interesting. But it’s true that if we have ultimate faith in God, then even when judgement is pronounced, we can have joy in knowing that He’s still in control and He is doing what is good and what is right.
Verse 11 says: “Joy shines on the upright in heart.” (Psalm 97:11) So those who live their lives honouring God, striving to be holy with the help of the Spirit, not letting sin stain them, find a particular type of joy that comes from God in doing that.
And in verse 12, which closes the Psalm, it says: “Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name.” (Psalm 97:12) Yes, as we praise God’s name, we find joy. We find great joy.
In fact I like what John Piper said in his great book Desiring God: “Not only does the pursuit of joy in God give strength to endure, it is the key to breaking the power of sin on our way to heaven.”
Finding Lasting Joy in God
We need to seek joy in God. And when we find God to be our joy, and we honour Him by enjoying Him, then sin doesn’t have a taste for us anymore, because God satisfies us.
And so in light of all these truths that we’ve learnt this week about God, I pray that you will seek joy in God. I pray that when you are feeling down, you’ll go to God and let Him cheer you up. I pray that every day will be a day where you can find joy in your life, because God is your God, and nothing will stop you from believing that.
May your weekend be filled with much joyful praise and worship as you put God first in your life for His glory.
Dressing well isn't wrong, but Paul reminds us that our clothing should always be appropriate for the setting we're in. Consider what you're dressing for today, and check whether your choices suit the occasion and honour those around you.