The LORD reigns, 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 burns up his adversaries all around.
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 see his glory.
All worshippers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!
Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgements, O LORD.
For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
O you who love the LORD, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You reign over all the earth. Your people cannot bear to see your face for you are holy and perfect and all powerful. You brought the Israelites out of Egypt as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night and saved them from their enemies. You are just and faithful. We can trust you to keep all your promises to keep us safe. When you sent your Son, you revealed yourself perfectly to us and through him we can see you. Thank you for the blessing of knowing and believing in your Messiah, Jesus, and for his perfect sacrifice allowing us to boldly approach your throne of grace.
Those who do not seek you but believe in idols will be brought to shame. One day even these false gods will worship you. Those in positions of power who exalt themselves and seek to serve themselves, and not others, will be brought down. People will see the futility of worshipping the creation instead of the creator, of worshipping gods of their own making.
While idols are worthless, you, O LORD, are altogether worthy! We are so grateful that you have revealed yourself to us and that we worship the God who is real and able to save. Bless us, LORD, with the ability to worship you in holiness and let us offer ourselves as living sacrifices to your glory.
In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN