Psalm 97

Psalm 97 ¹ The LORD rules. Let the earth be glad. Let countries that are far away be full of joy.

² Clouds and thick darkness surround him. His rule is built on what is right and fair.

³ The LORD sends fire ahead of him. It burns up his enemies all around him.

⁴ His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees it and trembles.

⁵ The mountains melt like wax when the LORD is near. He is the Lord of the whole earth.

⁶ The heavens announce that what he does is right. All people everywhere see his glory.

⁷ All who worship statues of gods or brag about them are put to shame. All you gods, worship the LORD !

⁸ Zion hears about it and is filled with joy. LORD, the villages of Judah are glad because of how you judge.

⁹ LORD, you are the Most High God. You rule over the whole earth. You are honored much more than all gods.

¹⁰ Let those who love the LORD hate evil. He guards the lives of those who are faithful to him. He saves them from the power of sinful people.

¹¹ Good things come to those who do what is right. Joy comes to those whose hearts are honest. ¹² You who are godly, be glad because of what the LORD has done. Praise him, because his name is holy.