The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!  Psalm 97:1  ESV

This is a favorite Scripture of mine.  It makes the simple declaration that God is in charge, and tells us this is a reason for rejoicing.  But why should we rejoice in this?  I’m glad you asked…

We should rejoice in the Lord’s reign because…

God’s reign is active, not passive

God is not a figurehead monarch, nor is He some despot preening in the spotlight of prominence.  He is totally engaged in ruling over His dominion.  He is constantly acting, willing, and commanding.  All His energy and resources are focused on what He is doing because…

God has a plan

The fact that He is reigning demands that He have a certain agenda in mind.  By reading the Scriptures we find that the Lord has had a plan from before the foundation of the world.  That is why it is called His eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:11).  He also has plans for individuals and groups that are all part of the grand scheme of things.  This is important to know because…

This gives us hope

The minute we come under the reign of God by placing our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are caught up in the out-working of His eternal purpose.  As we walk under His lordship, our lives take on a new sense of meaning.  As we walk in harmony with His plan, we experience the Lord channelling all the resources we need into our lives for the fulfillment of His agenda (Matthew 6:33).

Yes, beloved, the Lord reigns!  He is actively moving everything toward the fulfillment of His great dream, and we get to be part of it.  This cause for rejoicing indeed!

I hope this encourages you to live in the Reign with joy.

MD