May 7th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 97
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.
All worshipers of images are put to shame, those who make their boast in worthless idols; all gods bow down before him.
Zion hears and is glad, and the towns of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O God.
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!

Reflection
Lord, in days ago you hid your full glory under cloud and under fire.
You gave all direction and commanded your will.
We couldn't see you face to face.
Your radiance was too much for people to behold.

But then you came to this earth in flesh.
We looked into your eyes and heard your voice.
You displayed righteousness and holiness in action.
We witnessed a love too much for people to understand.

Today, you remain with us in Spirit.
You gift us and call us and lead us.
We can't see you fully in this way.
We witness your love everywhere at all times.

How can we deal with this Love that surpasses understanding?
We run to you and sing praises of your glory.
We bow before you and seek your direction in our lives.
For now we know that you are One in and through us.

Your radiance was too much for people to behold.
We witnessed a love too much for people to understand.
We witness your love everywhere at all times.
For now we know that you are One in and through us.

Prayer
Lord, this day, here my psalm of praise to you. Your rule is a sovereign rule. Your glory is everlasting and everywhere. You have made yourself known to all the people. And I give my full devotion to you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen