Intro: As you go through life, “Don’t forget to look up!” THE LORD REIGNS as , His People Can ! Psalm 97:1 Hebrew word mālaḵ: to be king; to reign! Coast to coast; Island to island; All people are invited to know Him! Matt. 28:18-19 What is the connection between God’s reign as our King and our personal joy? Can we experience His joy without yielding to His reign in our lives? John 15:10-11 What if the text said: For the most part, THE LORD REIGNS; or THE LORD REIGNS over 99% of the universe; or Once upon a time THE LORD REIGNED. How could we pray to a God who had limited reign? How could we trust a God who had limited reign? How could you be sure of your salvation? How would you know God can handle your situation? Would you really cry out to Him during suffering? Apply: If God did not sovereignly reign over all things, we would live controlled by fear, worry, doubt, and anxiety! Since we know God has supreme reign, we can yield to the authority of His Word, and learn to keep looking up, trusting His goodness & wisdom in every phase of life! 2. THE LORD REIGNS as , His Enemies are ! Psalm 97:2-6 Who is being burned up? Rejoice child of God, you will not be consumed! Hebrew word kissē': throne; seat of power & authority! When God exercises His power from His throne, He always judges with righteousness & justice, unlike those who rule on the earth! Notice what takes place in the “heavens”: Dark Clouds; Fire burning; Lightning flashing; Mountains melting! Is this text apocalyptic? Luke 19:14; Luke 21:25-28; Revelation 1:7; Romans 14:11-12 Apply: The reader is invited to reverence God’s judgment by observing glimpses of His power in the heavens! Trusting the Gospel removes us as enemies and declares us His children (Ephesians 2:1-10)! We can live without fear of His coming judgment upon the earth! THE LORD REIGNS MOST , Let Us Cast Down Our ! Psalm 97:7-9 Why is there shame for some and gladness for others? See Isaiah 42:8 & 1 Samuel 5:1-5 concerning false gods! Hebrew word ʿelyôn: Highest; Most High We make time for what is most important and valuable to us. Often what we esteem high needs to be brought low because it has become an idol in our lives. Apply: When we look up and see THE LORD as THE MOST HIGH GOD, we are prompted to repent of man-made things that has been esteemed as more valuable than Him! THE LORD REIGNS AS , Let Us Love Him & Hate ! Psalm 97:10-12 Hebrew word nāṣal: to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save Why do so many people claim God as their Saviour, yet live with affirmation and participation of what He calls evil? Proverbs 6:16-19; John 10:28-30; Romans 8:31-39 Apply: In every season we need to remember to look up to the one who has saved us and preserves our souls for an eternity with Him! This renews our minds and reminds us that Jesus died for sin and evil, not for us to participate in, but to turn from!