Reaping Light and Joy – Psalm 97

We have reached the 5th Psalm in a set of 8 that unequivocally declares the universal Lordship and comprehensive kingdom of Yahweh. We have noted that this set of songs is a subset of a larger collection prominently featuring the hallowed name of the Lord from the first stanza (these include Psalms 92 – 107). This section of the Psalter and the particular example of Psalm 97 serve to give wings of faith to the singer, as he is often troubled with his own limitations including his default finite perspective.... Imagine a man on crutches living in a tent in North Dakota as the winds of winter descend upon him. He has been promised lodging near southern beaches of Florida but is only driven to still more despair at the thought of walking there. Psalm 97 is like an airplane flight for a weary and destitute sojourner. He falls asleep for an hour or so only to wake to the sound of his captain informing the passengers they are now flying over the Appalachian mountains and will arrive at their destination before they know it. An alternate title for Psalm 97 could be “ The Exodus Psalm” as the author recalls revelation by way of events and instruction from this 40 year experience. He echoes Exodus from the vantage point of God's sovereignty witnessed over time, and in so doing, his song lifts the spirits of the worshipper as he remembers the kingdom of Yahweh revealed in and through history... Recognizing as much becomes a harvest of light and joy for believers of all ages as we reap the bounty of these seeds of revelation planted in the soil of covenant history...