Today’s devotion comes from Psalm chapter 97.
“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.
4 His lightnings lit up the world;
The earth saw and trembled.
5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD,
At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare His righteousness,
And all the peoples have seen His glory.
7 Let all those be ashamed who serve graven images,
Who boast themselves of idols;
Worship Him, all you gods.
8 Zion heard this and was glad,
And the daughters of Judah have rejoiced
Because of Your judgments, O LORD.
9 For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.
10 Hate evil, you who love the LORD,
Who preserves the souls of His godly ones;
He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown like seed for the righteous
And gladness for the upright in heart.
12 Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.“
Psalm chapter 97.
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The righteous ones are glad for what the LORD has done for many more things than contained in today’s Scripture. But, this devotion will cover some of the things for which the righteous are glad for what the LORD has done in today’s Scripture.
First, the righteous are glad “The LORD reigns” and “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” Verses 1 and 2.
“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.” Psalm 103:19.
“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24.
This should make sense. Why would the righteous ones want an Almighty and Sovereign LORD who was either unrighteous or want some god or idol who did not reign and was unable or unwilling to exercise righteousness and justice on the earth?!
Second, the righteous are glad because of the LORD’s judgments. Verse 8.
” 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.” Psalm 19:7-9.
This should make sense. Why would the righteous ones not want judgments that were true and righteous altogether?!
Third, the righteous are glad, because the LORD preserves their souls and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Verses 3 and 10.
“The LORD will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.” Psalm 121:7.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” John 10:27-28.
This should make sense. Why would the righteous ones not want to be protected from evil and the wicked and not want their souls to be preserved to salvation and eternal life?!
Fourth, the righteous are glad, because the LORD makes them glad. Verse 11.
“Light is sown like seed for the righteous
And gladness for the upright in heart.” Verse 11.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
This should make sense. Why would the righteous ones not want gladness and joy and the other fruit of the Spirit?!
“For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:4.
“Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart,
In the company of the upright and in the assembly.
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
They are studied by all who delight in them.
3 Splendid and majestic is His work,
And His righteousness endures forever.” Psalm 111:1-3.
“10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:10-11.
