Read
(A special psalm by the clan of Korah and for the music leader. To the tune “Lilies.” A love song.)
For a Royal Wedding
1My thoughts are filled
with beautiful words
for the king,
and I will use my voice
as a writer would use
pen and ink.
2No one is as handsome as you!
Your words are always kind.
That is why God
will always bless you.
3Mighty king, glorious ruler,
strap on your sword
4and ride out in splendor!
Win victories for truth
and mercy and justice.
Do fearsome things
with your powerful arm.
5Send your sharp arrows
through enemy hearts
and make all nations fall
at your feet.
6 You are God, and you will rule
forever as king.
Your royal power
brings about justice.
7You love justice and hate evil.
And so, your God chose you
and made you happier
than any of your friends.
8The sweet aroma of the spices
myrrh, aloes, and cassia
covers your royal robes.
You enjoy the music of harps
in palaces decorated
with ivory.
9Daughters of kings are here,
and your bride stands
at your right side,
wearing a wedding gown
trimmed with pure gold.
10Bride of the king,
listen carefully to me.
Forget your own people
and your father's family. 11The king adores you.
He is your master,
so do what he desires.
12All of the richest people
from the city of Tyre
will try to influence you
13with precious treasures.
Your bride, my king,
has inward beauty,
and her wedding gown is woven
with threads of gold.
14Wearing the finest garments,
she is brought to you,
followed by her young friends,
the bridesmaids.
15Everyone is excited,
as they follow you
to the royal palace.
16Your sons and your grandsons
will also be kings
as your ancestors were.
You will make them rulers
everywhere on earth.
17I will make your name famous
from now on,
and you will be praised
forever and ever.
Reflect
The first few lines of this passage present such an incredible mindset to aspire to: “My thoughts are filled with beautiful words for the king, and I will use my voice as a writer would use pen and ink.” The king in this passage is commonly interpreted as Jesus, which only brings that much more meaning to this first stanza (and all the rest). Imagine a mind, full to the brim with beautiful thoughts and words for God. In fact, this mind is so full that it cannot help but overflow into the voice, which shares these words, in turn, with anyone willing to listen.
As we continue reading the passage, these words are manifested in expressions of love, respect, and praise. That is what I love most about this reading. It doesn’t just allude to a headspace worth emulating – it pulls you right into it and gives you the full tour. On the days when my mind feels barren and I want to worship, but can’t seem to find the words, this passage becomes my prayer and my praise. And by the time I finish reading it, I can say with confidence and in truth, “My thoughts are filled with beautiful words for the king.”
Respond
Lord and Heavenly Father, thank you for your word, for it has shown me how to worship you. You are a mighty king and glorious ruler, and you are worthy of unending praise. Whether through thought, word, or action, help me to bring honour to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Larissa Benfey
Larissa is a Toronto based actor and writer who has dabbled in everything from scripts to short stories, and is now setting her sights on novels. Having studied English and history at Tyndale University and Seminary, she loves a good story, but her favorite stories always have happy endings - which is part of why she loves the true story of the Gospel so much.