Today's Reading:

Psalm 121
Psalm 123
Psalm 124
Psalm 125
Psalm 128
Psalm 129
Psalm 130

Today’s readings were all songs of ascents for the pilgrims while they traveled up to Jerusalem for the festivals at the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). The theme through these psalms was to emphasize trusting God through danger, knowing that He would protect and bless them. Notice “I lift my eyes”, knowing where true help comes from the Lord. Lifting our hearts and eyes up to God for help and mercy, even when facing opposition, is encouraging.

Today, we should all look up to God in faith as he still preserves His people on our journeys. For our blog question today, take a moment to sing a song or shout to God by lifting your eyes and voice to Him. We are free to walk lighter, breathe easier, and live with joy as we are made in His image. Come back to the blog today and let the rest of us know: How did you praise the Lord today?

 

Psalm 121
Trust in God as He watches day and night. He brings comfort by watching day and night, 24/7. He links protection over the scorching sun by day and the moon by night that brings out devouring animals as He safeguards at all times. He is the driving peace through evil. God never rests or loses focus, which allows us to rest while He guards and protects our lives.

Psalm 123 
We keep looking up to the Lord, as servants in the home look to their masters. Believers look to the Master until He shows us mercy. Plead for mercy and help against the pride of those who oppress, even when at our breaking point.

Psalm 124
This is almost like a sequel to Psalm 123, where they had cried for mercy and now had been given mercy. God had rescued them from their enemies, and they escaped the trap, like a bird from the snare. Knowing without God, they would have been swallowed alive when the enemies rose up, so we praise Him.

Psalm 125
Mount Zion is the highest point in Jerusalem; so each ascent psalm really is a journey upward towards God. This psalm compares trust in God to Mount Zion, which is unshakable and a guarding presence. “The scepter of the wicked” (unjust or oppressive authority) would be limited to keep the righteous from losing heart and turning to evil ways due to frustration. It included a prayer for the Lord to do good to the righteous and bring peace and justice to Israel.

Psalm 128 
Blessed are those who walk in awe, reverence, and obedience to the Lord. The psalm lists possible blessings: prosperity, marriage, children, and a long life. While these provisions are to be enjoyed, they are not a guarantee. Ultimately, life looking up to God brings deep and everlasting joy. These blessings are not granted for an easy life, but so that you may bless others through the provisions God has given you.

Psalm 129
Israel had been oppressed since they were young, but their enemies were not winning. The “plowmen” had tortured them like slaves, but God had set them free. A prayer that those who hate Zion (the people of God/ nation of Israel) would wither, and justice would bring no harvest to boast about, nor peace or blessings

Psalm 130
This psalm was a cry out to God, a lament when feeling low, pleading for mercy and forgiveness. Begging, even if God records each and every mistake and wrong thing we have done, no one could survive it- none would stand a chance. But thank God, He offers forgiveness instead, which is why we stand in awe of Him. Like a watchman longing for the morning to come, his entire being waiting eagerly for the Lord’s promises. Thanks to God’s faithfulness and love, we can wait with confident hope. He is the true source of happiness and redemption.

Today's Discussion question: 

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