Psalm 97
1The Lord rules. Let the earth be glad.
Let countries that are far away be full of joy.
2Clouds and thick darkness surround him.
His rule is built on what is right and fair.
3The Lord sends fire ahead of him.
It burns up his enemies all around him.
4His lightning lights up the world.
The earth sees it and trembles.
5The mountains melt like wax when the Lord is near.
He is the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens announce that what he does is right.
All people everywhere see his glory.
7All who worship statues of gods or brag about them are put to shame.
All you gods, worship the Lord!
8Zion hears about it and is filled with joy.
Lord, the villages of Judah are glad
because of how you judge.
9Lord, you are the Most High God.
You rule over the whole earth.
You are honored much more than all gods.
10Let 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.
11Good things come to those who do what is right.
Joy comes to those whose hearts are honest.
12You who are godly, be glad because of what the Lord has done.
Praise him, because his name is holy.
