“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord, hear my voice.”
Observe: Psalm 130 is a penitential psalm. The psalmist has sinned, and is now overwhelmed with guilt like someone drowning: “Out of the depths I cry to you.” The plea from the heart is for God to hear the cry for mercy. This is an act of faith, that God really is merciful. The psalmist knows that if God wrote down every sin, no one could stand. But God is forgiving, and once forgiven, we can stand and serve once more. “I wait for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning.” The lonely sentinel in the dark hours before dawn is a powerful picture of patient waiting for God. The psalmist knows that God will redeem, but this can not be hurried, not can we rush to “fix” it, so one must wait. The last stanza (7-8) is a final call to the congregation to trust the Lord to be merciful. God will redeem Israel from all their sins. So, this is more than a personal and private prayer; it is also a word to others to do as the psalmist does: cry out to the Lord, and wait for God’s redemption. We move from private confession of sin to corporate confession and redemption. Interpret: I recently did something wrong. I felt guilt and shame. But because I have faith that God forgives, I asked to be forgiven. I also know, partly from experience, that my efforts to “fix” or deny what I did wrong are vain, and only make matters worse. Faith, and experience, teach me that honestly talking to God and patiently waiting on God are the way to go. My part is to trust that God really does forgive when we confess real sin. God saves us. All this is true of personal sin, but it is equally true of corporate sin. Israel knew this from centuries of bitter experience. Their long rebellion against God’s covenant finally resulted in their exile from Israel itself. Not just the 70 years of exile but the long years of reconstruction after the return gave Israel’s prophets and sages much to ponder. Does God truly forgive? Yes. Must we be honest in our repentance? Yes. Is there a process for redemption, rather than a quick fix? Yes. Finally, do we need to be patient and wait for God to do his forgiving work? Absolutely yes. Apply: Is God mean-spirited, penny-pinching, holding long grudges against us? Or, is God gracious and forgiving, ready to listen, embracing the penitent sinner, generous with love and mercy? How we answer this will determine much of our attitude to God, and will also set our compass on how we should treat others who sin. Which picture of God do we carry in our hearts? Our answer to this question makes a real difference in how we approach our own sins. If God truly forgives, then we will honestly confess, and wait for what God will do. But if God is mean and grudging, in our private picture of the Lord, then we will hide our sins not only from God, but even from our inmost selves, let alone everyone else. That is not a road to joy and freedom, but the road to perdition. Which God do we believe in? Do we believe in a God who forgives? Pray: Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name, through Christ our Lord. Amen (Collect for Purity, Book of Common Prayer, p.67) Song: “My Faith Looks Up To Thee” November 11th – Les Kovacs Psalm 129
Observe: Psalm 129 is the tenth of the fifteen Songs of Ascent. As the people journeyed in groups to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the religious festivals, they sang these Psalms. This Psalm remembered the occasions when God delivered them from their enemies and brings a curse down on the heads of their oppressors. In the opening 4 verses the psalmist describes how they were oppressed from their youth, and how these oppressors bound them in cruel slavery. Yet though they were oppressed, they were not defeated, because the Lord had cut their cords of bondage. The final 4 verses call for retribution on all who hate them. The psalmist wants them all to be covered in shame, and to wither and die like grass on a roof. No blessings from God are to be offered to them. Interpret: When you read Psalm 129, you can sense the psalmist's pain, an enduring pain that lingers from the time he was a child. It is a pain that has left bitterness in his heart. It is expressed as a personal pain, but it is one that that is shared with all the people of Israel, a kind of collective, national lament. The psalmist invites the other pilgrims to repeat the line with him, "Let Israel now say.” Their oppressors were cruel and brutal. "The Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long." (verse 3) referring to the welts and scars on his back made by flogging and beating that remind him of a plowed field. The suffering was painful and long, but now it is over. The Lord is just and righteous. He has delivered them out of their slavery. The Lord has cut the ropes and they are free, He has cut the “cords of the wicked" (verse 4). Even though the Lord has freed them from their oppression, the bitterness of the experience remains, and the psalm concludes with a curse on the enemies who have done this to him and to Israel. The curse expresses the animosity built up in them towards their enemies. Their oppressors had shamed Israel in the past, so now let them be ashamed and defeated. Let their assault on God's people be turned back on them. In ancient Israel, neighbors would usually greet one another as they walked by saying, "God bless you." But for the enemies of Israel, the psalmist declares that no one should greet them and wish them well. No one. “May those who pass by not say to them, “The blessing of the Lord be on you;” (verse 8) Application: As Christians, it can be difficult for us to reconcile the psalmists asking God to curse their enemies, sometimes in the cruelest of terms, while Jesus calls us to forgive them. Is that a contradiction in scripture? Does God curse people? No. Absolutely not. Any hardships, difficulties, or challenges we face in life, the “curses” as the psalmists put it, are a result of sin, either ours or someone else’s, not God. Nothing about living a “cursed” life is willed by God, just the opposite! His will for us is clearly revealed through Jesus Christ in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” What we see here is an example of "progressive revelation". These are scriptural truths that are revealed gradually, over time. Remember that the Patriarchs actually met the Lord, but they weren’t shown everything about His whole character or His righteousness. The psalmists experienced God, but they weren’t given complete understanding of His grace and love for His people. It is through the life and teaching of Jesus Christ in the New Testament that we begin to understand what real love, mercy and grace means. And even when we do understand it, we find it hard to put it into practice in our daily lives. As we endure our own injustices, we may empathize with the writer of the psalm as we cry, “But they deserve to be cursed! They're evil! They're unjust! They’re cruel!” as we wallow in our bitterness and resentment. But Jesus brings us a new truth, a new way to live. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44) Psalm 129 teaches us that while we may be sorely afflicted by various oppressions, we are not defeated because the Lord has "cut the cords of the wicked" and set us free. However, it has little to teach us about grace. It takes Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross for us to learn about grace and to extend that grace even to our enemies. Furthermore, we sometimes forget that we too may be counted among the wicked for the various sins we commit against each other and against Him. None of us can stand before God in our own righteousness. Jesus took our curse of our sins upon Himself and stood in our place before the Judge of all Creation. His sacrifice cut the cords of all the wicked, once and for all. Prayer: Thank you for delivering us from our afflictions, O Lord. Thank you for cutting the cords of the wicked in answer to our prayers. And thank you for taking our curse upon yourself, so that we need not curse our enemies, but rather love them with the radical love that we find at the cross. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Song: Psalm 129 – Jason Silver https://youtu.be/a-15migpTcY Psalm 128
Observe This Psalm begins with a beatitude: Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways (1). It exults in the faithfulness of the godly who follow Him, and the results are apparent: fruitfulness of the land, joy-giving spouse, children bursting with energy and promise, sitting around the table – the ideal happy family. The home is meant as an image of this God-gifting: fruitful, joyful, prosperous, and generous (5b). As each family is blessed with abundance by Yahweh, so is Jerusalem. Longevity is tied closely to peace. The psalm ends with prayer for the peace of Israel, God’s larger community. Interpret Continuing the Songs of Ascent, this “wisdom” Psalm expands some themes in the previous Psalm, showing material and familial blessedness in the context of ancient Israel. Family, microcosm of the entire community of Israel, flourishes. The beatitude recalls Psalm 1:1, where the person refuses to walk in the way of the wicked but careful study of God’s Word brings abundant growth. In Psalm 128, walking with the Lord means prosperity and progeny for the wellbeing of the community. God looks down from Zion with blessings for Jerusalem, its faithful citizens living long enough to enjoy their grandchildren. This Psalm is chanted at weddings in the Orthodox Church, its picture of ideal married life reflecting the joy and generosity of the Lord. Apply The ideal family isn’t a June Cleaver perfect wife, hubby in suit and tie (and fedora of course) back from work to a pristine house, a home-cooked meal and more or less respectful children. So how does this Psalm fit in to our culture of self-centred, materialistic, do and be whatever you want norms? As families in ancient Israel realized that they were part of the larger community of God where peace was the desired norm, could we not look at a Christlike church family as a desired norm? Each of us has a part to play, youngest to eldest. Family may not become an isolated idol; singles (an aberration in many cultures) may not live their lives independent of others; the elderly may not be warehoused and ignored. Not easy because we’re so acculturated, but our Lord can move us outside our squeezed boxy lives into His expansive goodness, cultivated in the family unit (and church), spilling over to where it is most needed. Ask How may I be truly a contributing member of Your family Lord, in our less-than-ideal world? Pray Lord, we thank you for the babies, toddlers, children among us, so full of life and energy and innocence; we thank you for the youth, subject to so many temptations but You rejoice over them; we thank you for young adults starting a new life in careers or studies; we thank you for young families, teaching their children to love You; we thank you for older adults, fulfilling what You have asked of them while facing their challenges; we thank you for those called to singleness, serving Your community in their unique way; we thank you for our elders, whose stories and lives we must respect. Lord, by Your grace we are becoming one in You. Keep each one of us faithful to You as we cultivate Your love for one another. Sing Ps 128 Sons of Korah - Olive Plants The Music Ministry - Blest are those who love you (Marty Haugen) Psalm 127
Observe: Psalm 127 lies in the heart of the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134). It is believed to have been written by Solomon. The psalm deals with two areas that often compete with our time and energy – our work and our family. Interpretation and Application: Verses 1 and 2 deal with the concept of God at work in our public lives. Whether we are building our homes, guarding our community or just going to work, we are reminded 3 times that our efforts are in vain unless the Lord is in charge. We are not prohibited from work (indeed, God told Adam that he would have to toil all his days), but rather we should not put our trust in our own efforts “for while they sleep, He provides for those He loves.” (verse 2) We are to put our hope in God alone. Verses 3 – 5 deal with the concept of God in our homes. Verse 3 tells us that children are a gift from the Lord as well as being a reward. I know that as a parent there have been days when I have seen my children as anything but a reward from God! In many ways children are “like arrows in the hands of a warrior.” (verse 4) Arrows must be carefully shaped. They must be guided with skill, aimed and directed and given great care or they won’t fly straight. So it is with our children. I remember once when our oldest daughter came home and was contemplating going out with a young man who was not a believer. We were very direct with her and warned her against doing so. She was angry with us and went to bed while we stayed in our room and prayed. The next morning she told us that she decided that she would tell him that she couldn’t go out with him. He was very disappointed and couldn’t really understand her reasons why, but she stuck to her guns. We were very thankful that the lessons we tried to teach her when she was young took root and she stayed true to the Lord. By the way, she and her husband are still good friends with that young man and his wife. Verse 5 states that children are a blessing, especially if one is able to have many. However, “a quiver may be small and yet full; and then the blessing is obtained. In any case we may be sure that a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of children that he possesseth.” (Spurgeon) The psalm ends with encouragement for the godly parent because those children will now be an assurance for security in old age. ”They will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:5)” So what is the connection between these two sections? The children are a defense for the parents in old age, but the Lord provides the children. The watchman stays awake, but the Lord watches over the city. God is in control! (Tobin Davis) Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to put you in charge of everything…our homes, our work, our community and our children so that we receive the blessings you have in store for us. Amen. Song: Unless it is the Lord – Marty Goetz Psalm 126
Observe: Psalm 126 is a Psalm of Ascent, most likely written by Ezra or a prophet or psalmist in his immediate proximity. It is generally read as a Psalm of praise and thanksgiving for those who have been released from their Babylonian captivity, and a prayer of encouragement for those who have yet to make their way home. It is broken down into two parts of three verses each. Verses 1-3 reads “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.: The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.” Verses 3-6 read “Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out in weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves in with him.” Interpret: I love the way this Psalm starts, “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” It paints an incredibly relatable picture of the collective mindset for those who were taken captive, living in a stupor and a daze, unable to cope fully with the reality of their home lost to invaders and no joyful prospects. The Lord had called them to weeping, to a deafening silence as their harps were hung upon the branches of the willow tree. He then mourns to them in turn and laments unto His people before finally reversing their exile and sending them on their way whereupon Israel’s voice breaks out in song and celebration. Like waking suddenly from a nightmare, their misery was quickly swallowed up by songs of joy at the deliverance of the Lord! It is those who, by means of their captivity, repented, and turned again to their God. Repentance led to reformation and resulted in joy. By these facts we observe 3 things:
Yet not all was well even in the midst of God’s deliverance. There were many obstacles yet ahead and many distresses upon those who returned home to find their city in ruins. Larger still must have been the harsh realization that they must keep their repentance nearby so that this national trauma would not be repeated. Finally, two last verses that remind us all that even though troubles come and sorrow may abound, the Lord will remain with His people and “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” Application: If this Psalm is to serve us today as modern Christians, the most obvious way in which it can be applied is first as an acknowledgement of our constant need of Christ in a world that seeks to keep us captive to sin and the patterns of this age. We are still sinners, yet we are called not to submit again to the slavery of sin, but to Christ. We are called to not use our freedom as a cover-up for sin, and to make every effort to kill those sins which crop up in our hearts. The Lord is in the business of breaking chains and setting His people free, so do not lose heart, and do not give up on repentance. Acknowledge that which is keeping you from His presence as sin; confess it to Him and resolve once more to crucify the flesh and keep in step with the Spirit. It is here that we find not only humbling and painful reminders of our own sinful tendencies, but the overflowing grace and love and joy of the Lord by which we ought to live. It can be so hard to give these our cherished sins up to God, but if we only turn our joy into sorrow in response to our own wickedness, the Lord shall see that we “come home with shouts of joy.” Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your incredible grace and patience. Thank you for calling us to you and for loving us even when we were still sinners. Show us our sins for what they are, and show us your own holiness and goodness, that by tasting your goodness we might put to death those sins which cling so tightly. Amen! Song: I Will Wait For You (Shane & Shane) Psalm 125
Observe Those who trust in the Lord will not be moved, the first line of Psalm 125 assures us. The Lord is ever present and will not allow the wicked to govern His people. Those who choose their own way will find themselves in a place far from His love. Interpret The sixth Psalm of Ascents, this song encourages the pilgrims in their journey up Mt Zion, as immovable under their feet as they are under the Lord’s guidance. Trusting in God is the extended theme. As the mountain fastnesses surround Jerusalem, protecting it, so God encircles and protects His faithful people. Evil cannot dwell there, because God has His hand on His holy place; without Him, His own people will too easily fall back into the sins of their forebears – it’s happened before. The prayer in verse 4 asks for more than mere human prosperity, but for the riches of grace and good only God can supply. For those who stubbornly go their own way, and that refers to anyone in this pilgrim company, the Lord will let them continue, a most terrifying prospect (5a). For those who remain close to Him, blessings will go before and follow. Peace the world cannot give will be for Israel (5b), and for all His pilgrim people through the ages. Apply With the world roaring its anxiety, fear, desire, greed, idolatry etc etc at us, how do we remain unshaken as news of fresh disaster assaults us from all sides? If we follow in the company of His saints, past and present, we have nothing to fear; by our intentional exercise of trust, God and His Word become more and more our strength, joy and shelter. But we are easily led away from His narrow, difficult path, and this Psalm reminds us to look at ourselves from God’s viewpoint – what do we see? We know sin doesn’t pay. As we remain on His way, live out of His truth, the Spirit leads us into His life. We pay careful attention, discerning His voice through all that competing noise. But His still small voice, His Advocate Spirit, groans on our behalf and keeps us on the pilgrim way. We pray for just leaders (3), in government, in the church, so that God’s righteous rule will be the norm. It remains an ideal until Jesus comes again, but as we grow in trust, it’s unshakeable hope. Ask Will You keep me on Your path, Lord, distracted as I so easily am? Will You keep that mirror clear and bright, so I see You reflected, encouraging, strengthening, and enlivening? Pray Lord, bless those who trust You, whether in seasons of hardship or pleasure. Today, I am like Mount Zion. I proclaim Your presence, sovereignty and peace, and the protection of Your people. I declare that trusting in You brings bountiful blessings. (Yohanna Katanacho, Praying through the Psalms. P.125) Sing Psalm 125 Psalm 125 - Dr David Erb Not Be Moved - James Block A Meditation on Trust (sung in Hebrew) - Andi M. Anatomy of the Soul - Unmoved Shall Endure Text: Psalm 124
OBSERVE: Verses 1-5: The psalmist calls the congregation to join in to give thanks, indicating the liturgical nature of the psalm. We observe that God’s presence was critical in defeating the attack of the enemies. If not for God, the enemy would have “swallowed” Israel alive, which provides a mythological allusion to a Canaanite god. Verses 6-8: In these verses, we witness an understanding that they escaped the ravages of their enemies because of God’s presence. This great act of divine deliverance leads to the confident proclamation that God, the Creator of all, is Israel’s helper. INTERPRET: The psalmist leads Israel in thanksgiving towards God for delivering them from an enemy that wanted to hurt them. Considering the brevity of the psalm, it is remarkable how many vivid metaphors of potential destruction the psalmist uses to communicate the danger faced by the community. Thus, heightening the greatness of God who saved them. The psalmist leads the community as they give thanks to God for rescuing them from the hands of an enemy intent on destroying them. God was on their side and the implication is that he was on their side as a Warrior, who fought and defeated their enemies. While no specific event is mentioned here, scripture contains many stories of God saving his people in this way, most notably from the Egyptians at the Red Sea. APPLICATION: All Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle, which is beyond our resources to fight on our own. Thus’ we need God’s help, and this psalm is a model prayer directing us to give thanks to the One who supplies us with the spiritual weapons and armour needed to escape the attacks of our enemy. The Apostle Paul summed it up best when he wrote “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8: 31). The spiritual realm is very real, and Christians must learn how to approach the battle taking place there. The good news is that God gives you every resource you need to engage in spiritual warfare. He wants you to have hope, because He has already won the ultimate battle through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He gives us His strength by giving us his Holy Spirit. Psalm 124 teaches us a few truths that we can help us for the spiritual battle that we face. These truths include:
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord. Very often I have been caught in a trap, feeling like I could never overcome the difficulties I faced at the time. But that was a lie, and you provided a way of escape — over and over. You are Creator of heaven and earth, and You know exactly what I need each time I let myself get in a bind. I praise your Holy name Jesus. Amen. SONG: Michael W. Smith (Surrounded) October 28th – Les Kovacs Psalm 123
Observe: Psalm 123 is the fourth of the Songs of Ascent. It is a short prayer for God’s mercy towards His servant. In the first and second verses, the psalmist lifts their eyes to Him who is enthroned in heaven as would a servant who looks to their master to provide all the things needed for their life and livelihood. In the third and fourth verses, the servant asks the Lord for mercy as they endure continual mocking from arrogant and contemptuous people. Interpret: The psalms referred to as the Songs of Ascent are generally accepted as songs sung by pilgrims going up the hill to Jerusalem for the three required annual festivals. Psalm 123 is only four verses long, but it is profoundly deep, and expresses a marvelous truth for the believer. It confirms that we are servants of the Lord Most High, and therefore, we confidently rely on God for all our provision, including mercy from our daily trials. When the psalmist describes the contempt they experience from the mockers along the way, they are describing the scorn that their contemporaries held for the believers, and how their faith in the one true God sets them apart from the pagan world. This difference in worldviews is the foundation of the animosity of the pagans and causes the psalmist to seek shelter and relief in the mercy of the Lord. Application: Being a follower of Christ in any age has always caused us to be different from the world around us. We rely on the provision, guidance, mercy and ultimate salvation of the Lord, but the world relies on its own wisdom and might to navigate life. When we imitate Christ with the attitude of a servant who places the needs of others before ourselves, it is seen as being weak and beneath the dignity of an independent person who follows their own path. Being a servant is seen as an insult to a person of the world. Often times, very wealthy people or celebrities, with their inflated egos, can be seen treating their own personal staff, or the waitstaff when they are out and about, with disdain for doing whatever humble or mundane tasks they themselves would never stoop to doing. When they endorse a charity, they will often call attention to themselves to show their generosity and so make it all about themselves, and less about those in actual need. So, when we speak the truth of the Gospel and live our lives to the glorification of God, we often gain the scorn and derision of our fellow man. These people, Jesus says, have already gained their reward. When we see the worldly successes of others, we might be tempted to follow in their footsteps and increase our worldly possessions or influence or fame, but these are fleeting pleasures, hollow prizes that are easily lost, stolen or tarnished. Following Christ, on the other hand, means that we store up our treasures in heaven. This is an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled and will not fade away (1 Peter 1:4). Imitating Jesus, our Servant King, means that we understand our reliance on God for our “daily bread”. We bend our knee to Him and acknowledge Him as our master. Everything that we have and are is because of His blessings poured out on us every day. Our hope for today, tomorrow, and for all eternity is based firmly on God's unchanging love and unfailing mercy. Every morning His love and mercy toward us are refreshed, revitalized, like a brilliant new sunrise. The one reward that Christians prize above all else is to one day hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”. (Matthew 25:23) Prayer: Heavenly Father, you placed us on this earth with a purpose to serve you. Yet we sometimes stray from your path and do things that do not please you. We seek your mercy upon us that we may find favor in you and be delivered from the wrong path. Set us on the right path and equip us with the courage to act as your instruments in this world. May all that we do glorify and exalt your name forever. Amen. Song: Mercies (New Every Morning) – Matt Redman https://youtu.be/AJg31komsak Psalm 122
Observe Let us go to the house of the Lord (1), sings Israel on their way to the Temple, rejoicing at God’s invitation as they climb the steep path. The image in verse two is potent: once their pilgrim feet touch the ground inside the gates of Jerusalem, the fortified city, God protects them from enemies. In the Lord’s sanctuary all people “give thanks to the name of the LORD” (3-4). God’s judgment is established, for thanksgiving and judgment are inseparable. Judgment belongs to the God of all creation and of all people. The proper response of all people is to give thanks for God’s righteous rule and judgment. Their prayers for peace in Jerusalem renew their strength as they continue uphill in joy. Interpret The third Psalm of Ascent, sung as Israel climbs to the Temple for worship. For them, Jerusalem is a place of refuge, safety, and sanctuary. Here is peace that only God provides for all His people. All longing for this peace is distilled in the benediction: “Peace be within you” (8). In a world of bloodshed and war, swords and spears become plowshares and pruning hooks; peace that surpasses human understanding will, by His grace and power, prevail. Whatever Israel had done or not done in its checkered history, joy marks their worship together. Apply Here’s an attitude to cultivate as we approach Sunday worship. We can be glad for this wonderful privilege of gathering with His Body, His church, after 2+ years of isolation from one another. It’s almost a high for us after such a long separation, being able to meet together. But even if we’re down. faith and obedience draw us together in worship – God’s commandment heeded brings great blessing, personally and corporately. Worship, praise, the Word, confession, thanksgiving, Communion, blessing, fellowship – the liturgical sequence lifts us out of the bog. It foreshadows our utter joy when we’ll finally meet God, not in a building at a set time, but forever in His Real Presence – quite overwhelming to think about! We’ll see our Father face to face in the Presence of Jesus, the Spirit whispering His praises with us. We’ll see the true oneness of Trinity, for we will be truly one with God. We’re practicing for that time while here, so if we can become excited about worship together (a year of Psalms and teaching sermons should have helped us along), we’ll have come a long way, especially uphill! Ask What do I, small part of this gathered community, need to hear from this Psalm? How can God’s good news lodge in my heart to make more room for Jesus, and my neighbour? How can I align my longings for the new creation while in the middle of the old? Pray Lord, let my thoughts be centred in You; let my heart be fixed on You; let my joy be contagious in You. With my brothers and sisters, I offer thanks as our worship and prayers ascend to You, in Jesus’ name. Sing Ps 122 I rejoiced when I heard them say - John Michael Talbot Let Us Go Rejoicing - Michael Joncas I was glad - King’s College Choir This is the second of the series of psalms which are titled A Song of Ascents. As a song sung by travelers, this is particularly relevant for the trust placed in God through the journey.
Observation, Interpretation and Application: I love this psalm. It was one of my favourites since childhood. I often imagined that God was right beside me no matter what the circumstances (verse 1 and 2). He will keep me and help me. He will never let me stumble, no matter what (verses 3 and 4). The standing of the believer in Jesus is impressive. He won’t let us slip and He never sleeps. I often have a hard time with sleeping. Lots of time I wake in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep. It is during these times that I pray fervently for those the Lord has brought to mind and then…miracles of miracles! I go back to sleep. God never sleeps! To know that God watches over us in all the minute details in life should be cause for praising Him! He protects us and watches over us all the days of our lives, no matter how long or short that should be. This past week David and I experienced a sudden “taking” of life in our brother-in-law, Roger. Although sad, we rejoice that Roger is in the presence of our King who granted him a much longer life than expected. He preserved Roger’s “going out and coming in” for all the days of his life. To know that the Lord watches intently over our lives (verses 5 and 6) and keeps us from harm should be reason to rejoice! Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that You never sleep! Even when we “forget” about You, You are always there for us. Help us to be grateful for Your unending love and care. Amen. Song: I composed this song for my choir before I came to St. Aidan’s: Psalm 121 song.mp3 The words are directly from Scripture. May you be blessed! |
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