Psalm 97: Priorities

I love this psalm.  It starts off with a bang, the author bragging on just how awesome the LORD is.  He is the center of the universe, and all creation dances about him.  He is to be worshiped and praised.  The God of the psalmist, the God of Israel, is Numero Uno.
And what does this mighty, wondrous, powerful cosmos-ruling sovereign want?  Power?  Glory?  Nope.  He wants faithfulness.  Righteousness.  A turn from evil.  And he wants it from us.

During Lent, as we pray over our priorities, we do well to remember what's important to the LORD.  If God, who has the option to focus on anything, instead chooses to concern himself with things like faithfulness and right living, maybe we should to!

1 The LORD is Sovereign;
let the earth rejoice; *
let the multitude of the isles be glad.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about you, *
righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne.
3 A fire goes before you *
and burns up your enemies on every side.
4 Your lightnings light up the world; *
the earth sees it and is afraid.
5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, *
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare your righteousness, O LORD, *
and all the peoples see your glory.
7 Confounded be all who worship carved images
and delight in false gods! *
Bow down before the LORD, all you gods.
8 Zion hears and is glad, and the cities of Judah rejoice, *
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 The LORD loves those who hate evil; *
the LORD preserves the lives of the faithful
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light has sprung up for the righteous, *
and joyful gladness for those who are truehearted.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, *
and to the holy Name of the LORD give your praise.

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