Light and Joy

Light is sown for the [uncompromisingly] righteous and strewn along their pathway, and joy for the upright in heart [the irrepressible joy which comes from consciousness of His favour and protection]. Psalm 97:11 AMP

Light and joy for the uncompromisingly righteous and the upright in heart. Who are these people who are uncompromisingly righteous and upright in heart?

The Message Bible puts it this way, 

Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil. Psalm 97:11 The Message

The uncompromisingly righteous and upright in heart are God's people. The people who are in right-standing with God.

For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favour). Psalm 5:12 AMP

And how is it then that we, you and me, the sinners, get to be in right standing with God, the creator of the universe, the creator of us? There is only one way - believing in Jesus and acknowledging Him as your Lord and Saviour.

May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right-standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honour and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognised]. Philippians 1:11 AMP

So, as believers in Jesus, we are in right-standing with God. We are righteous, so this scripture about light and joy is true for our lives.

Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

Psalm 97:11 NIV

Maybe today, you believe in Jesus, but you don't feel like there is light shining on you, and you don't feel that there is any joy in your life. If that is you, I encourage you to declare Psalm 97:11 over your life - many times a day if you need to, until those feelings submit to God's truth. Be expectant of what God will do in you.

Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5 AMP

And always remember to give shout of praise and thanks to God.

So, God's people, shout praise to GOD, Give thanks to our Holy God! Psalm 97:12 The Message