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Psalms 120 – 135 are a series of 15 Psalms sung by pilgrims either on their way to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the festivals or at the festivals themselves. Together they are called the "Psalms of Ascent".
Over the next several days, I want to explore some of the ways these ancient Psalms sung by pilgrims many years ago relate to us today.
These Psalms speak of hope, passion, future dreams, desire and trust while on a journey that reminds them, and us, of past memories, present sufferings and future promises.
The Psalms of Ascent point us to the hope that is present in the midst of whatever journey you are on.
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.
3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain
over the land allotted to the righteous,
for then the righteous might use
their hands to do evil.
4 Lord, do good to those who are good,
to those who are upright in heart.
5 But those who turn to crooked ways
the Lord will banish with the evildoers.
Peace be on Israel.
Remember that this Psalm along with the other Psalms of Ascent was written for pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem for one of the festivals. They probably sang them along the way and definitely when they arrived. That background helps us make more sense of these Psalms.
The topography of the area around Jerusalem probably inspired these Psalms. The city of Jerusalem sits on a mountain surrounded by mountains.
After a long and quite dangerous journey, you can imagine these pilgrims stopping as they approached the city and looking at the mountains. You can hear the collective sigh of relief that they have completed the journey.
All of us face challenges in life. We don't rate these challenges on a scale from 1 - 10; you get cheers if you endure a "10", and nothing when facing a "1". Challenges are subjective – and God certainly doesn’t rate them like we do.
What God does is exactly what the psalmist says he will do.
- He surrounds us.
- To know that God surrounds us is so comforting.
- The mountains surrounding Jerusalem would have been a comforting sight for those pilgrims.
- It would have reminded them of how God had surrounded them along their challenging journey.
For followers of Jesus living in these challenging days (whether it is political, social, financial, personal challenges) it is comforting to know that God surrounds us with his love, grace, mercy, peace, and most of all, his presence. There can be no greater feeling.
Prayer
Lord God, thank you for surrounding me when facing the challenges of life. To sense your everlasting arms surrounding me is so comforting. Your love soothes my troubled soul; your mercy lifts me to heights when I cannot raise myself. Your strength gives me the courage to face what lies ahead, and your peace helps me rest in the security of trust. Lord, you are everything to me – my hope, my safe place, my protector and my strength. You are all I need. Amen
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