A Good Word (Day 2)

A number of years ago I worked a job that involved oil tanker trucks. Loading and unloading these tankers was a challenge. One wrong measurement, one wrong move could lead to a gusher--either overfilling the truck or a back-flow from the main tank, or even overfilling the main tank--an uphill battle involving hundreds of thousands of gallons pushing down with gravity’s help, trying all at once to get out. Once, we had the fine occasion of hooking a full truck to the pump for an off-load and one tiny little clamp was not fastened down on the coupler--any guesses as to what happened? Anyone?



At first all we did was soak in the rain of oil, trying to understand what was happening. Then we ran through the black deluge, yelling at each other, coordinating our efforts until the geyser could be contained. When the valve was finally closed and the spray ceased, all we could do was breathlessly take in the scene--dripping oil everywhere. The entire operation was shut down until we could get it cleaned up. Which took the entire rest of the day. Then we had to start all over.

“My heart overflows . . .”

Psalm 45 opens with the something akin to, “It’s gonna blow!”--the writer’s heart overflows, gushes like a fountain with a love song he can’t wait to share. He wants everyone to feel what he feels, sharing in the rapturous joy of the song. What does it feel like when your heart is “overflowing”? What are some things that make your heart “overflow” to the point you can’t contain it? Whatever it is, we must agree that we must let it out! We like to share what makes us happy! 

Who in their right mind stuffs down that which makes one smile, laugh or shout a little? Who likes to keep good news to themselves? I know a teacher who for years seeded every lecture and/or power point presentation with pictures of his grandchildren. A wise father once told his son, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23). When overjoyed, we feel most alive!

“ . . . with a pleasing theme”

Literally, “a good word.” This joyous song is a pleasing to him, to the audience and most notably, to the king. We’ll look at this later. Presently, let’s think about what “good word” here means. This is the same term used when God created everything--He spoke, what He spoke came into being, and God said it was . . . “good” (טוֹב) Same word in Hebrew.

Consider this: God created with a word (“and it was good” is repeated 6 times in Genesis), and the psalmist is creative with words (and it’s a good word)! This love song is a touching song, a dignified song. The lyrics are carefully chosen, not haphazardly penned. The force of all that emotion is under control and flows from his heart to his pen to our hearts. Oh, the words are beautiful.

Why haven't you read yet of the stately groom and his beautiful bride?