Psalm 98 David’s poetic praise
1
Go ahead—sing your brand-new song to the Lord!
He is famous for his miracles and marvels,
for he is victorious through his mighty power and holy strength.
2
Everyone knows how God has saved us,
for he has displayed his justice throughout history.
3
He never forgets to show us his love and faithfulness.
How kind he has been to Israel!
All the nations know how he stands behind his people
and how he saves his own.
4
So go ahead, everyone, and shout out your praises with joy!
Break out of the box and let loose
with the most joyous sound of praise!
5
Sing your melody of praise to the Lord
and make music like never before!
6
Blow those trumpets and shofars!
Shout with joyous triumph before King Yahweh!
7
Let the ocean’s waves join in the chorus with their roaring praise
until everyone everywhere shouts out in unison,
“Glory to the Lord!”
8
Let the rivers and streams clap with applause
as the mountains rise in a standing ovation
to join the mighty choir of exaltation.
9
Look! Here he comes! The Lord and judge of all the earth!
He’s coming to make things right and to do it fair and square.
And everyone will see that he does all things well!
My father was a good and fairly patient man, but he would only put up with disrespect and disobedient behavior from his children for just so long. Eventually, it became very apparent when Dad had “enough.” My father expected that his children would honor his authority, will, and instruction. Well, our heavenly Father is the perfection of my earthly father’s expectations and ways.
In our passage today, David sings about the goodness and justice of God. As believers and followers of Christ, we know we serve the God of justice. Something we must remember is our God never promises to bring “instant” justice to set things right. He promises to one day intervene, judge, and remedy the destructive work of sin and evil. At that time, he will set “all things” right forever.
For now, Jesus stands at the crossroad and bids us come toward his righteousness and right standing with the Father. So, we put our hope in our heavenly Father and trust in his appointed time when he will say to Satan, “enough!” Praise and glorify the Lord, today, because his goodness and loving-kindness endures forever and his promises are sure!
Prayer: Lord, I pray for the world to wake up and realize you will in your appointed time say, “enough!” Sin and evil and those who engage in it, will face the justice you have warned is coming. How loving are you to send your Word ahead and let all the world know the Truth! With the ocean waves I clap with applause, praise with gratitude, and give to you the honor and right to deal with the injustice I have faced in this life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.