Gospel Reflections #1189: Rejoice and be glad

Psalm 2:11 ‘Serve the Lord with reverence; rejoice and be glad with trembling.’

This is an important scripture that teaches the exquisite balance between ‘reverence’ and ‘joy’—which may seem contradictory—regarding the attitude with which we should stand before God, who possesses absolute authority.

The overall context of Psalm 2 depicts the arrogant behaviour of the nations and kings of the earth as they rebel against God and the King (the Messiah) whom He has established, seeking to rule by their own power.

In response, God mocks them from heaven and demonstrates His overwhelming sovereignty.

The latter half, which includes this verse 11, constitutes a warning from God—‘Therefore, you kings of the earth, be wise’—and is presented within the context of an opportunity for repentance (an ultimatum).

The ‘fear’ and ‘trembling’ referred to here do not simply mean cowering in terror, but rather acknowledging God’s overwhelming holiness and greatness.

It points to the ‘righteous humility’ of human beings—the realisation that we are creatures and powerless before God’s judgement.

When we face God’s absolute righteousness and majesty, we feel a sense of ‘trembling’.

However, when we realise that this great God loves us and serves as our ‘refuge’ (a place of hiding), that ‘trembling’ transforms into deep ‘joy’.

In other words, this is an exhortation to possess a sure peace and joy underpinned by deep reverence (awe) for God, rather than a familiar, familiar joy that treats God lightly.

Psalm 2:11 teaches us that the true way of life and happiness for human beings lie precisely in not over-relying on our own strength or the powers of this world, but in acknowledging God’s sovereignty with humility (awe), whilst at the same time living in trust of His rule (joy).

What do you feel towards God? Fear? Or peace?

The more we come to know what sort of God He is through His Word, the more we should feel a joy that makes our hearts leap and a deep sense of God’s love.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.