Monday 8 December 2025

Psalm 96

Background
The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem was speaking to a 'fear-full people'. From the north and from the south, the city of Jerusalem was threatened by its enemies whose armies were too close for comfort, and who were even attempting to besiege the city. But the prophet has had a dramatic vision of God (you can read about this in Isaiah 6:1-9) and now he hears in these words of the Lord a message of hope and comfort for the people of the city.

Throughout the Bible, mountains are associated in a powerful way with the presence of God – Abram at Mount Moriah, Moses at Mount Sinai, Elijah at Mount Horeb – and Jesus who gathered the crowds and taught and prayed on the mountains around the Sea of Galilee, possibly the Golan Heights. This sense of wonder associated with mountains has even entered the English language – we talk about ‘mountaintop experiences’.

Not unlike the people of Jerusalem, we are living in times of threat and uncertainty. The news is full of bellicose words and attitudes from national and political leaders. There are ‘wars and rumours of wars’ in many parts of the world, along with floods, earthquakes and drought. Sometimes we may feel almost afraid to watch the news or to read the newspapers. Where is all this going, we ask, wondering if indeed the world is coming to an end. Where is God in all this?

Isaiah reassured the people of God that God is present with them in the midst of the perils surrounding them. The earth will be full of God's glory, not that of earthly rulers and potentates. While recognising that much was threatening, Isaiah had utter confidence in God and in God’s care for God’s people. The hurt and destruction that enveloped the besieged people of Jerusalem would not last for ever – the glory of the Lord would prevail.

To Ponder:

• I read this recently on Facebook: "What if everything you’re going through right now is preparing you for a dream bigger than you can imagine?" Reflect on a time, even times, when this was true for you or for someone close to you. How do you now view your earlier fears?

Prayer
Loving God, you have so often brought me, and those for whom I care, through troubled times to a peaceful place, so I know I may praise you for all that is past and trust you for all that’s to come. Amen.

Bible notes author: Gillian Kingston
Gillian Kingston is a local preacher on the North Tipperary Circuit of the Methodist Church in Ireland and an ex-Vice President of the World Methodist Council. She was the first Lay Leader of the Conference of the Methodist Church in Ireland. Married to Tom, a retired Methodist minister, and with four adult children, she is also the besotted grandmother of seven beautiful granddaughters and one handsome grandson.