Psalm 97
The first verse of this Psalm states emphatically and matter of factly the basic issues of life: 1. the Lord reigns; 2. let the earth rejoice. God reigns. He is God and that takes care of everything. Our only response is to rejoice, for as long as God is on His throne and He will reign forever--that covers all that we need. Could the following reference to letting the islands be glad be an oblique reference to unreached people groups who do not know God? If the whole earth is to rejoice, it is likely that those who do not know of Him are those who live on distant, isolated islands, cut off from commerce and interaction with the rest of the world. However, the rest of the Psalm indicates that God has been revealed to the whole earth through the world that He created.
Aren't we glad that the consistent cycle of day and night allows our bodies rest and renewal for the following day, and the stimulating diversity of changing seasons bears witness of God's Glory? We should "be glad....and give thanks to His holy name"v.12.
Hugs and prayers
Izzy
izzy