this psalm is billed as a wedding song and so that poetic opening feels like a suitable way to get things started – and a good reminder to those of us who get caught up in the lifeness of life to be reminded that we serve a stunningly imaginative and creative God [could YOU have envisaged the duck-billed platypus? or a giraffe?]

the whole psalm is quite a lyrically stunning one, but i just want to pull out one or two lines that jumped at me in a less than menacingly way:

‘In your majesty ride forth victoriously
    in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
    let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.’ (verse 4)

Truth. Humility. Justice. Good causes to have. Worth taking a moment to self reflect and ask myself, ‘What are the causes i ride forth towards?’

And if these are three that God takes seriously, then how seriously am i taking them? They would probably suffice as worthwhile pursuits for me as well.

Truth: It is interesting to note that you can say a lot of true things, but still not necessarily be speaking Truth

Humility: This is something that has to be called by others – the moment you realise you have achieved humility, you haven’t!

Justice: We are quick to rally on this one when the justice relates to us… but how quick when it speaks of ‘the least of these?’

‘You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
    by anointing you with the oil of joy.’ (verse 7)

is this true of me? do i absolutely LOVE righteousness [or simply think it’s a pretty okay thing?]

do i hate wickedness? or do i merely turn my nose down at it, while still allowing it to lurk inside or near me? do i hide it under the bed so no-one else can see, but so that it remains close, just in case…

have i been anointed with the oil of joy? for me, joy is different to happiness [which is situation dependent – you give me chocolate i am happy, you dent my car i am umhappy] and if the Holy Spirit of God lives in me and has been given free reign in my life through invitation, then i should naturally Love and be drawn towards righteousness and hate and be repelled by wickedness… and Joy should be a natural offshoot of that.

‘I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
    therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.’ (verse 17)

what a powerful image and lyric to finish with – i will perpetuate…

i will continue to tell the stories of how God has worked in me… through me… around me…

and the result will be the praise and awe of the people… and me… for ever!