In an increasingly fast-paced and competitive world, doing good often feels like a losing proposition. We see those who cheat being praised, those who oppress being powerful, and those who are honest being dismissed as naive. Many people begin to ask themselves, “What's the point of doing good if I'm going to be the loser in the end? ” This question is real, especially when goodness has no room and justice feels far away. But Psalm 97 reminds us that the reality we see is not the whole story. There is a King who rules over the universe, and His rule is based on righteousness and justice. In other words, goodness is never in vain, because there is a God who is present and at work even when the world doesn't always seem to be on His side.
Psalm 97 begins with a glorious picture of theophany (verses 1-5): God is enthroned, and the whole earth rejoices. Clouds, darkness, lightning, and mountains that melt like wax, depicting both His mysteriousness and omnipotence, echo Israel's experience at Sinai. God's throne stands on truth and justice, not capricious power because of decisions made impulsively, without reasonable consideration or clear reasoning. In the next section (verses 6-9), the response of creation and mankind is presented. Even if there are other gods, all are subject to God who is the King of the universe. For His people, the coming of the Lord is news of joy, because righteousness will ultimately prevail. Then the last part (verses 10-12) confirms that God takes care of those who love Him. Goodness may not bear fruit immediately, but it is sown and not lost.
Maybe for some people, kindness often does not feel beneficial because the results are not instant. Carl Jung once said that personality growth requires the courage to choose what is right even if it is painful. Kindness shapes character, and character shapes the meaning of life. Doing good, then, is not primarily about visible results, but rather the process of shaping oneself into a true person. Psalm 97 teaches that the world is under God's just rule. Goodness may not be rewarded now, but it is in harmony with the moral structure of the universe. And when we do good, we are living in accordance with our deepest self as the image and likeness of God.
Friends of the Bible, never regret doing good. Though the world seems full of darkness, God gives light to the righteous. Every good deed we do is like a seed planted in the field of life. So, when we keep choosing to love in the midst of hatred, to be patient in the midst of anger, to be fair in the midst of pressure, we are taking part in God's holy reign. We may not always see the results now, but goodness is never wasted in His sight. Psalm 97 invites us to continue our journey of faith steadfastly, for in the end, joy and light will dawn. Doing good is not just a moral act, but a way for us to help glorify the King of the universe.
