Psalm 97 | New International Reader’s Version

1 The LORD rules. Let the earth be glad. Let countries that are far away be full of joy. 2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him. His rule is built on what is right and fair. 3 The LORD sends fire ahead of him. It burns up his enemies all around him. 4 His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees it and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax when the LORD is near. He is the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens announce that what he does is right. All people everywhere see his glory. 7 All who worship statues of gods or boast about them are put to shame. All you gods, worship the LORD! 8 Zion hears about it and is filled with joy. LORD, the villages of Judah are glad because of how you judge. 9 LORD, you are the Most High God. You rule over the whole earth. You are honoured much more than all gods. 10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil. He guards the lives of those who are faithful to him. He saves them from the power of sinful people. 11 Good things come to those who do what is right. Joy comes to those whose hearts are honest. 12 You who are godly, be glad because of what the LORD has done. Praise him, because his name is holy.