Walking Joyfully

O. T. #1311  "Walking Joyfully"
Oct. 23, 2018
Psalm 97
Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right.  Psalm 97:11 NLT

LET IT GLOW


Previously, we learned how to praise God through singing about Him, telling others about Him, worshiping only Him, giving Him glory, giving offerings, and living holy lives. Today's psalm relates to Jehovah reigning in the world. His first coming was in the physical form of Christ as a babe in Bethlehem. His second coming to earth will be at His taking the church out (rapture) before the 7 years of Tribulation period. Then Christ will reign for a thousand years. (Of course, that belief is if you are a pre-trib believer, as I am.)

As Christ reigns on earth during the millennial, there will be:

• rejoicing and gladness; (verse 1)
• clouds and darkness around Him because of His unapproachable holiness; (verse 2)
• righteousness and justice  are the foundation of His throne; (verse 2)
• fire spreads ahead of Him and burns up all His foes; (verse 3)
• lightning flashes across the world. (verse 4)
• protection for His godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked; (verse 10)
• light shining on the godly; (verse 11)
• joy on those whose hearts are right.

Verse 9 says, For You, O LORD, are supreme over all the earth.

So if we desire joy in our heart, Jesus should be supreme over all of our life, right? If our purpose is to please our God, then our desires ought to be aligned with His desires. We will love what God loves and hate what He hates-love the Lord and hate evil.
Are we, do we, will we?

LET IT GROW


Lydia Brownback says in her book, Sing a New Song:

The light that God provides to the righteous in verse 10 has to do with guidance. Even though He shrouded Himself in dark clouds. He lit the path of His people along ways broad and joy-filled rather than narrow and restrictive. At the coming of Jesus, the darkness that hid God's glory was forever lifted.  "I am the light of the world," He said. "Whosoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Are we walking along the path He has lit for us? Is Jesus who or what lights our world? Then we will have joy walking along with Him on that path. Is our heart humble before Him? He deserves our awe and love.

LET IT GO

Walk in the light Jesus has given us through His Word.
Trust Him each step of my life.
Be supreme over all my life.