May 31, 2023 — Psalm 45 

“My heart overflows with a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory; the music of the strings makes you glad. Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house.” Psalm 45:1-10 

The Psalmist is overflowing with a message of teaching — for again this is a Maskil—a teaching psalm. The word “overflow” in verse 1 is a verb meaning to “bubble up,” or “boil.” It connotes emotion—lively excitement that bubbles up from his very being. His tongue overflows with songs of praise. The heart of the poet gushes out with a “good word” from G-d. “My tongue is the pen of a skillful writer”.  

Many can identify with the Psalmist in their enthusiasm, their joy and their love for Jesus as they consider all that he has done for us.  We shout with excitement, “Hosanna in the Highest Heaven. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” 

C. H. Spurgeon, the great preacher and theologian wrote this about Christ:

“I believe that whenever our religion is most vital, it is most full of Christ. . . . I can bear witness that whenever I am in deeps of sorrow, nothing will do for me but “Jesus only.” . . . I retreat to the innermost citadel of our holy faith, namely, to the very heart of Christ, when my spirit is assailed by temptation, or besieged with sorrow and anguish.”  

We need more of Jesus in our lives these days — and so it is good that we are deep within the Psalms and the rhythmic words of lament and praise. 

Prayers: Lord God, you have formed the holy Church to be the bride of Christ. Grant to your Church the faith and peace she will need to do your will and to show your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.