Focal Passage: Psalm 99:1-9
God has told us to be holy as he is holy. How do we do that? How do we get our holiness to match the holiness of the God of the universe? Luckily, our passage today points us in the right direction.
Psalm 99 is a powerful reminder that God’s holiness is not an abstract idea — it is a reality that shapes every part of our lives. The psalmist begins by declaring, “The Lord reigns,” a truth that is far more than a statement of God’s position. It is a declaration of His active rule over all creation. God is not a distant king sitting on a symbolic throne; He is the giver of life, the One who reigns over every decision, every moment, and every breath. The question naturally follows: Is that His role in your life? He is Lord not in theory, but in practice.
The psalm describes God as the One “seated between the cherubim,” a reference to the mercy seat—the place where atonement was made. This is the God who provides our ransom, who makes a way for us to be reconciled to Him. When we truly see Him for who He is, the only fitting response is to tremble.
Brandon Johns
The whole earth is meant to shake before His holiness. And yet, how easily we forget. We may not consciously think we are God, but functionally we often live as if we are — lifting ourselves up, making decisions based on our own wisdom, and placing our desires above His. A right understanding of who God is should lead us to praise Him above all else. Our lives should be a continual act of worship.
In verses 4-5, the psalmist reminds us that although God is enthroned above all, He is not far from His people. He is spiritually and emotionally near. He sees us, knows our needs, and desires justice for us—justice ultimately fulfilled through the death and resurrection of His Son.
God is consistent in all His ways. He never changes. His holiness is steadfast, unwavering, and eternal. Because of this, we are called to exalt Him—to lift Him high above everything else in our lives. Exalting God requires humility. It means acknowledging that He is above us, and therefore our worship must be wholehearted and constant.
The final section of the psalm points us to God’s faithfulness throughout history. He heard the cries of His people. He delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage, guided them with pillars of cloud and fire, and provided for them at every turn. There has never been a moment when God lacked the ability or willingness to care for His people. All resources belong to Him, and He uses them perfectly.
Yet God’s care also includes correction. When His people sinned, He acted as an avenger — not out of cruelty, but out of holiness. He desires His people to reflect His character. When they wandered, He brought them back, though not without consequences. Even His discipline is righteous.
So what do we do with all of this? We worship. We worship Him for His goodness, His love, His guidance, and His holiness. And we look for His hand in our lives today, because the God of Psalm 99 is still reigning, still near, and still holy. B&R
