This Psalm, penned by David, can be viewed from several different perspectives.

David wrote this for his son Solomon as he succeeded to the throne. David’s heart for his son shines through, and we can take these words and direct them prayerfully towards our own children or those in our care.

It is a Psalm which rings with hope and declaration of what good and godly leadership should look like. We can use its words to pray for our own worldly governments and declare blessing over their rule.

The words, too, can be applied to King Jesus (the true “royal son”) and His reign over us and all creation. Surely our hearts lift and soar when we consider His majesty!

What stands out for me is that, although riches and wealth are mentioned (vs10,15) as one might expect when thinking of royalty, the greater theme is justice and concern for the poor. Without getting into the mire of party politics, it’s clear that in our own country there has become a greater divide between those who are thriving and those who are struggling. Too many of those in positions of leadership are failing to consider the needs of “the afflicted ones.” Yet, it seems to me, that verse 3 is declaring a state whereby God’s provision is available to all within its reach. “The mountains will bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness.” God’s love is more stable and more dependable than even the firmest of mountains!

Verse 6 demonstrates the effect of godly leadership: it refreshes the people it serves, watering them down to the roots and allowing them to flourish where they are planted. If members of a congregation feel starved and dehydrated, it may be a sign that the leadership is looking out for its own interests ahead of its followers.

This is why we must pray for our leaders, both spiritual and secular. We know little of their pressures, the constraints they work within, the difficulty of keeping people happy. Let us take on board the words of verse 15: “May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long.” It is only with fervent prayer support that leaders remain equipped and able to carry out their responsibilities. It is all too easy to criticise their decisions, but did we play our part behind the scenes?

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Father, thank you for those who serve us as leaders, government representatives and parents. Help me to keep them in my prayers. I lift them up to you now, that they would know your strength and enabling today. Amen.