Psalm 97:11, "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart."

Today's verse reminds me of the daily benefits of God's grace as it is sown into our hearts. The word "sown" speaks of something being scattered or dispersed. We have all seen a seed being sown with the hope of germination and ultimately fruit being produced because the seed had been sown or scattered.

Our verse speaks of two things being sown by God to those who are righteous and upright in heart; they are light and gladness. God is sowing light through His Son and His Word. We read in John 1:4-5 concerning Christ, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." Darkness cannot conquer or overcome light, when light is sown, darkness flees. Jesus would later give this testimony "...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) Concerning God's Word the Bible states, "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." (Psalm 119:130) "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a lightunto my path." (Psalm 119:105)

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary states: "those that rejoice in Christ Jesus, and in His exaltation, have fountains of joy prepared for them. Those that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. Gladness is sure to the upright in heart; the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment. Sinners tremble, but saints rejoice at God's holiness. As He hates sin, yet freely loves the person of the repentant sinner who believes in Christ, He will make a final separation between the person He loves and the sin He hates, and sanctify His people wholly, body, soul, and spirit."

May we live our lives in the "light" of God's Son and the "light" of His Word. Gladness will be ours as promised in this verse.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. How would you describe the light you have received from spending time in God’s Word?

2. Trusting Christ as your Savior changes everything about your view of life. Describe the change that has taken place in your thinking since your salvation.

3. Jesus Christ and joy are inseparable. Do you have joy, and if so, how is it manifested?