One of the things I'm am discovering as a difficulty is limiting the number of Psalms that I like which I wish to include in these reflections. I've read the Psalms so many times, and have come to know and love many of them, but don't wish to make this a 4 month excursion through the Psalms.
Psalm 98:1-9 is another beautiful Psalm which speaks of the joy that we have in God. Over the years, I have heard a number of different characterizations of God, most of which have some basis in accuracy, but never paint a complete picture. Many fear God as someone just waiting to extract His price from them for a lifetime of wrong. Others focus merely on a God of love and bypass the idea of a God who demands justice. Others focus on God as a God far away, and others see Him as a God nearby.
Psalm 98 focuses on the God who is full of steadfast love and faithfulness. While God does indeed know of us by our nature, separated and fallen away from Him, He doesn't give up on us, no matter how far we may run or how deep we may fall. He remembers His love and is faithful to us, and that's the reason that we can give thanks and sing a song of joy and praise to God. He, and He alone, can overcome this distance and depth.
This Psalm paints a beautiful picture that it's not just us who recognize this, but the whole world. The rivers clap their hands. The hills sing. The waters roar. Everything acknowledges and praises the God of this world, who does such great things. That's the joy and hope that I find in this Psalm.
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