Psalm 97

Verse 11 strikes me... " Light is sown like seed for the righteous ..."
Because of this we are told to be "glad in the Lord... and give thanks to His holy name. " 

Light  is sown.  It is planted.  It germinates.  It grows.

 Psalm 112:4 says " Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous." 
 Proverbs 4:18 says, " But the path of the righteous is like the dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day."   
The Bible Knowledge Commentary speaks of light as the "blessings of joy and spiritual prosperity" .  It refers back to Psalm 27: 1 " The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" and Psalm 36:9 " For with Thee is the fountain of life; in Thy light we see light."  BKC says "Light signifies understanding, joy, and life and the stronghold signifies defense.  With these provisions from the Lord, whom shall a believer fear?"  It also says, " life and light come from God, their Source. So in contrast with the corruptions of the wicked, an obedient believer's life is characterized by security in the Lord, abundant provisions, life, and understanding in God's presence. "

Light - understanding, joy, life. A gift from God. The first gift given to the newly formed heavens and earth ( Gen. 1:3) . John 1:4-5 " In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it."  Jesus says, " .. I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." ( John 8:12)

Paul, in his testimony before Agrippa, says this about the Lord's call upon him," .. I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me. " ( Acts 26: 18)

Jesus, the Light of the world...reigns.. and the earth rejoices.
Jesus, surrounded by clouds and darkness, breaks through with His righteousness and justice, a fire that burns all the darkness away.
" His lightnings lit up the world."  Stop and think about that!
His presence makes the earth tremble and the mountains melt.
"The heavens declare His righteousness  and all the peoples have seen His glory." 

To serve any other god is shameful, wicked, and useless.  For He is "exalted far above all gods." 
They are nothing.  He is everything. 
They are darkness.  He is Light. 
He is a Light that grows brighter and brighter, bringing us understanding and joy and life.
Be glad.
Be thankful.
Be in awe of Him.

Father in heaven, You are Light and in You there is no darkness at all!   You have given us Yourself in Your Son, Jesus Christ, the true Light of the world.  Let that light grow in us.  Increase our understanding.  Increase our joy.  Fill us with Your life, Your light growing brighter and brighter until that day when Christ returns . Let the truth of Your words stir our hearts and fill us with joy and gladness in Christ today. Amen.