Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise!
He is to be feared above all gods.
The gods of other nations are mere idols,
but the LORD made the heavens!
Honor and majesty surround him;
strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.

O nations of the world, recognize the LORD;
recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong.
Give to the LORD the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor.
Let all the earth tremble before him.
Tell all the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
He will judge all peoples fairly.

Psalm 96:4-10

When doubts filled my mind,
Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Psalm 94:19

• Psalm 96 is a psalm of praise, calling all creation to worship God. It has a prophetic feel, looking forward to God's reign.
• "Great and most worthy of praise": This isn't just a casual statement; it's a declaration of God's supreme value and inherent glory. He deserves our highest praise.
• "Feared above all gods": In ancient cultures, many gods were worshipped. This verse directly confronts polytheism, asserting that the God of Israel is superior to all others, not just one among many.
• Even today, we can implicitly "fear" or put our trust in things other than God – money, status, security, self. This verse calls us to recognize His ultimate authority.
• "Mere idols": What makes them "mere idols"? They are human-made, powerless, and ultimately nothing. They have no inherent being or power.
• "But the Lord made the heavens!": This is the ultimate distinguishing factor – He is the Creator.
• The consistent theme throughout scripture is that God's creative act proves His uniqueness and power. (Genesis 1, John 1:3, Colossians 1:16).
• Recognizing God as Creator should result in awe and humility in us. It reminds us of His sovereignty over all things.
•  "Splendor and honor are in his presence; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary."
• This describes the atmosphere of God's presence. Not just abstract concepts, but tangible qualities experienced by those who are near Him.
• "Sanctuary" here can refer to the tabernacle/temple, but also metaphorically to God's dwelling place, or even His presence among His people.
• "O nations of the world": The scope widens! This isn't just for Israel; it's a universal call.
• This is a foreshadowing of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and God's plan to redeem people from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 7:9-10). 
• God's salvation was always intended for all humanity.
• "Recognize his glory and might": A call to acknowledge who He truly is. This recognition leads to worship.
• "Give to the LORD the glory due his name": Our praise should align with His nature. It's not about our feelings alone, but about His worth.
• "Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor": "Holy splendor" emphasizes His set-apartness, His purity, and His majestic beauty. Our worship should reflect His holiness.
• "Let all the earth tremble before him": Not out of fear of punishment, but reverential awe, recognizing His power and authority. This is the natural response to encountering true holiness.
• "Tell all the nations: 'The LORD reigns!'": This is the central message! Not just that He exists, but that He is actively ruling and sovereign.
• This is foundational to the Christian worldview. God is not distant; He is actively involved in His creation and history.
• A crucial aspect of God's reign is His perfect justice. He will ultimately make all wrongs right. This brings hope for the oppressed and accountability for all.
• This Psalm calls us to consciously recognize God's unparalleled greatness as Creator and supreme Lord.
• The call to worship is for all nations. We are part of a global family called to declare God's reign.
• Knowing that "The Lord reigns!" brings both comfort and accountability. We can trust in His steadfastness and His ultimate justice.

Remember that in a world that often feels chaotic and unjust, Psalm 96 reminds us that a sovereign, just, and good God is on the throne. This truth should shape our worship, our witness, and our trust in Him. Our ultimate stability comes from His unchanging reign…and thankfully not the changing news headlines!