OUR GOD REIGNS - at the heart of enthronement psalms such as Psalm 97 is an affirmation that God reigns supreme above all the nations; no one-no gods, no kings, no nation shares God’s glory and preeminence.

BEHIND THE TEXT - What might be the possibilities of context that would allow this psalm to be faithful and inspiring? Of course, enthronement is the obvious possibility. But other voices suggest that this psalm may have functioned in response to the theological crisis that was caused by the exile.

POWERFUL HOPE - This psalm is no ostrich that buries its head in the sands of liturgy completely oblivious to world affairs. Psalm 97 is honest. The psalmist acknowledges that evil and power exist side by side with righteousness and God’s reign. But behind this reality the psalmist sees a reality that is even more prominent and one that inspires faithfulness to God: God reigns. Period. Thus, "joy and gladness are possible even now in the midst of evil." [1]

Praise is a refrain in this psalm. The psalmist calls all creation-animate and inanimate-to join a universal chorus of thanksgiving. Even sea creatures, stormy winds and small creatures are invited to sing along. The Psalms reveal that praise is a natural response to God’s Word. Think of concrete ways by which you might praise God. Could you set aside a small table in a quiet room of your house where you place symbols of God’s presence? How about planting your garden as an act of worship? What creative offering of praise can you make? [2]

I would take a moment to describe some of the unique qualities of "enthronement psalms" (the prep work could be done with a good commentary).

Describe the psalm that has at the core: God reigns. That’s our Easter message too: "Our God reigns."

Yet, many Christians are not so honest in navigating between truth-claim and reality. This psalm encourages a way of balancing evil wickedness that does exist all around us, yet with the truth-claim: Our God Reigns.

Jesus’ fundamental message was identical to Psalm 97-in the dire and dark hours when evil would seem to triumph, Jesus speaks joy and gladness (Matthew 5:12 with Psalm 97:1-2).

Personal experience might suggest the balance that Psalm 97 boldly claims for us.

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[1] James L. Mays, Interpretation Series: Psalms (Louisville: John Knox, 1994), page 312.
[2] Spiritual Formation Bible (Zondervan, 1999), page 818.