Thoughts for the Day

The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him,
and consumes his adversaries on every side.
His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness;
and all the peoples behold his glory.....
For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

The Lord loves those who hate evil;
he guards the lives of his faithful;
he rescues them from the hand of the wicked.
Light dawns for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Are you feeling a little down in the dumps today? Does everything seem flat or difficult - the economic situation is not good in many countries; the electricity and gas bills are worrying; the news from around the world is pretty dire; and the spring and the summer seem a long way away? If so, take a few moments to look at Psalm 97 and lift your eyes to think about a 'picture' of God.

1. God is our King: He cares for each one of us.
2. God is righteous: He is honorable, and morally right.
3. God is just: He is fair and impartial.
4. God hates evil: He loves those who hate evil.
5. God guards His faithful: He protects us.
6. God is our light: He draws us to Himself.
7. God gives us joy: He fills us with happiness.

Take a moment from the ordinary - from day-to-day cares - and turn to God in praise!

Lord God, King of the universe,
help us to put aside our concerns
and turn to You this day.
We praise You for Your power,
for Your gifts of creation,
for Your plan to save us from sin,
for Your love for us as a Father.
May we celebrate this with joy today.
Amen.