Show Don't Tell: Psalm 97

Instead of saying "God's reign brings judgment and joy," watch the mountains melt. "The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice." Far shores celebrating. "Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne." Hidden in clouds, founded on justice. "Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth." Mountains—solid, ancient, permanent—liquefying like candles. "The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory. All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols—worship him, all you gods!" Gods commanded to worship. "Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, LORD. For you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods." Then the ethical application: "Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name." Light for righteous, joy for upright.