Exult

Long, long ago, when I was in my twenties, I set out to read from the Bible on my own. I didn’t know where to start, and probably didn’t go about trying in the best way, but from Episcopal worship services I had some familiarity with a few psalms. Most psalms are short, too, so I began by reading there.

Not all 150 psalms speak to me. Some are prayers that approach God with requests I have a hard time relating to, although I suppose there is always something to learn by considering others’ trying circumstances.

(Canticle 9) Isaiah 12:2: Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and he will be my Savior.

On the other hand, in a good translation, many are beautifully written and a joy to read. That is perhaps why psalms are included in our Book of Common Prayer liturgies, and the same can be said for the BCP canticles taken from other books of scripture, like the above. Reading them can inspire me to feelings I probably would not have arrived at on my own. I give thanks in my simple words to God, but reading psalms of praise some days moves my thoughts of thanks into praise and beyond, to feeling the great love God has for us and loving him for it, in great happiness and joy. Yes, to exult.

Psalm 96:11: Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

Psalm 98:5: Shout with joy to the Lord all you lands; lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing. Phil Brownfield #exult #adventword