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.
From the depths of despair, O Lord,
I call for your help.
2 Hear my cry, O Lord.
Pay attention to my prayer.
3 Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,
who, O Lord, could ever survive?
4 But you offer forgiveness,
that we might learn to fear you.
5 I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word.
6 I long for the Lord
more than sentries long for the dawn,
yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord;
for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
from every kind of sin.
Probably the most well-known hymn is "Amazing Grace." These psalms, sung by pilgrims on their journey to and from Jerusalem and while worshipping at the Temple, would have been as well-known as ‘Amazing Grace’ is to us.
There is a story which says that the author of ‘Amazing Grace,’ John Newton, went to a vesper service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, on the say he opened his life to the Lord, and this Psalm was being sung. Wesley was moved with emotion by the words of the song.
The Psalmist is not focusing on his past, but on the truth that God forgives. And therefore we can count on him.
O Israel, hope in the Lord;
for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.
He himself will redeem Israel
from every kind of sin. (7-8)
Let's shout like the Psalmist, ‘His redemption overflows.’
in the midst of everything that is happening - busyness, mayhem, confusion, being overwhelmed, frustrations, joys - take a few moments to think of the goodness of God. Let your heart and soul be stirred with gratitude and thankfulness that God never gives up on you.
My Lord and my God, as I pause and focus on your goodness. I am reminded of the many times you have placed your hand on me, I am filled with thankfulness. Even when I did not call on you, I can look back and see that you came to me anyway. Such grace, mercy, and love. I have never been alone. Lord, you have forgiven, and the freedom that comes from that forgiveness overwhelms me. There are no words to express what is in my heart right now, but you see and know my heart. Lord, I cry out to you: I love you, Lord. Amen
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