Bible Studies

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The Psalms
Psalm 97 – Seeking and Seeing
Key Verses: (NIV)

• 1: "The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice." – God reigns supreme throughout all creation and all nations of the world.
  
  
• 2: "Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne." – God rules with power but the foundation of His reign is based on truth, righteousness, fairness, and love.
  
  
• 6: "The heavens proclaim His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory." – Everywhere we look God's virtues are revealed.
  
  
• 7: "All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols – worship Him, all you gods!" – Joy to all those who worship God; woe to those who do not.
  
  
• 10: "Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked." – If we love God then we can only hate that which is not of God and He will guide and protect us from the pathways that lead to wickedness.
  
  
• 11-12: "Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. ¹²Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name." – He provides reasons for rejoicing and praising His name. The truth of His love fills our hearts.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Do you see the glory of God? The psalmist proclaims that all people behold His glory. In what ways does this happen? Do you behold His glory on the busy freeways of your morning commute? In the concrete jungle of your city's downtown? In the lines of people waiting for airport security, fast-food breakfasts, or gourmet coffees? As you fight malingering traffic signals and belligerent drivers, do you behold God's glory? Are you seeing God in all His glory during the every-day actions and mundane tasks that fill your day? If not, why? Are you not looking closely enough or are you not looking at all?
  
  
• Do you hate evil? Does your love for God inspire hate? Through our upbringing as Christians we are taught to hate evil but to love evil-doers. Does this psalm countermand this principle? Or, do we in fact need to be on guard against the wicked? Is it easy to determine a wicked person when you see one? What are you to do when confronted with evil? Should you take action? How do you do so without becoming self-righteous; a sinful act in itself? Do you see the importance of relying on God as the psalmist suggests when he says "He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked?"
  
  
• Do you see the Light? Have you experienced clarity and understanding? Or do you still face confusion and uncertainty? How do you recognize God's truth when you see it? Does it burst forth from the din with the power of epiphany and sudden insight? Or does it simply ring true in the midst of all the other "truths" you encounter? Can you tell when God is inspiring, teaching, and guiding you to a new understanding? How do you feel when you recognize God's light? Do you become joyous? Do you feel like sharing this new truth with others? Do you feel impassioned and filled with praise for the Lord?
  

Promise of the Gospel:

As with many of the psalms, this psalmist is rejoicing in the evidence of God's glory that can be found throughout creation. When we come in contact with it we want to rejoice. The question we must face is: Can we see evidence of God wherever we find ourselves in life? If He is creator of all things then, no matter where we are we should see Him. The reason we can develop this expectation is because He promises to be with us wherever we go, shedding His light and protecting us from whatever evil we face. When we stop seeing God, it may simply be an indication that we have stopped looking. When we seek, He will be there and our hearts will be filled with joy and praise for His glory.

FUMC Devotionals

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