In life most things are not black and white. It is not either or, but is both and. In our DNA we have come to use this phrase, ‘both and’ often. We can experience both joy and suffering, both grief and laughter, both sadness and anger, etc. In fact, I would say generally speaking usually we experience things as both and.
And this stems from who God is. He is both mighty and humble. Full of truth and grace. Righteous and loving. He is the one who shows us how we can live in a ‘both and’ world. He requires perfection (and doesn’t lower his standards) yet loved us so much he makes a way for us to acquire perfection through Jesus. He both is in relationship with us AND is holy and without sin.
You might be thinking what does this have to do with Psalm 45? The thing that stood out to me the most in this Psalm was the description of God as King and on his throne. The description of palaces and robes and scepters. I think I tend to focus on the suffering and humility of Jesus. Which is true- he was born in a manger! He was a carpenter. He was lowly in the eyes of the world. BUT he is also God. King. Ruling and reigning. He is known by the nations and to be praised and enthroned forever.
This is an equally important aspect of God that I don’t think about or dwell on often. Maybe because kingdoms and thrones and majesty is not something I experience or see or know from my experience or daily life. But there is a reason for this Psalm. And I need reminders (especially in these current times) that God ‘ rules with a scepter of justice’ and that ‘Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.‘
Spend some time today thinking about God’s rule and throne. Praise him forever and ever! Amen.
-Ally Landis