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Illustration for Psalm 97: The LORD Reigns Rejoice

Psalm 97

The LORD Reigns Rejoice

PraiseJoy

When God reigns, let the whole earth be glad! His throne is surrounded by fire and righteousness. Every mountain melts like wax before Him. The heavens announce His righteousness and all people see His glory. God protects those who love Him.

  1. 1The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.
  2. 2Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
  3. 3Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.
  4. 4His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.
  5. 5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.
  6. 6The heavens proclaim His righteousness, and all peoples see His glory.
  7. 7All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols— worship Him, all you gods!
  8. 8Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of Your judgments, O LORD.
  9. 9For You, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods.
  10. 10Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
  11. 11Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.
  12. 12Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name.

What it means

Mountains melt like wax in front of God — that is how great He is. And the very same psalm says He guards the people who love Him. The God who is powerful enough to melt mountains uses that power to look after you.

A little prayer

God, You are so great that mountains melt before You, and You still take care of me. Thank You that Your power is used to protect the people You love. I am glad You are King. Amen.

Memory verse

“Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.”

Psalm 97:11 (BSB)

It gives light and gladness to the same people, in the same breath.

Talk about it

Questions with no single right answer — for a family table or a Sunday-school circle.

  1. The psalm says mountains melt like wax in front of God. What is the biggest solid thing you know?
  2. It says light shines on the righteous. What does light do that heat does not?
  3. The psalm tells people who love God to hate evil. Is hating something ever right?
  4. What is something you are glad exists?

Try this

Melting

Put a candle stub or a piece of wax on a warm radiator and watch it slowly lose its shape. Read verse 5 while you wait.

You will need: A wax candle stub and a warm surface.

Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB)