psalms of ascent: Psalm 134

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.

Psalm 134 NLT

Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
    you who serve at night in the house of the Lord.
2 Lift your hands toward the sanctuary,
    and praise the Lord.
3 May the Lord, who made heaven and earth,
    bless you from Jerusalem.[Zion]

People often work really hard to accomplish a particular goal, and when they achieve it, they find it’s not fulfilling. The life of faith and discipleship is NOT like that.

Psalm 134, reminds us that the way of discipleship that begins in an act of repentance concludes in a life of praise. The key word and controlling thought in the psalm is simply: bless God, bless God, God bless you.

Psalm 134 says, “Lift your praising hands to the Holy Place, and bless God.”
We’re quick to lift our hands to our favorite sports teams. Some of us aren't as quick to lift our hands to GOD. Psalm 134 reminds us that we are called to bless God whether we feel like it or not.

The Westminster Catechism reminds us that 

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” 

Or as Eugene Peterson expands on that:

Glorify. Enjoy. There are other things involved in Christian discipleship. The Songs of Ascents have shown some of them. But it is extremely important to know the one thing that overrides everything else. The main thing is not to work for the Lord; it is not suffering in the name of the Lord; it is not witnessing to the Lord, it is not teaching Sunday School for the Lord; it is not being responsible for the sake of the Lord in the community; it is not keeping the Ten Commandments; not loving your neighbour; not observing the golden rule. "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." Or, in the vocabulary of Psalm 134, "Bless God."

Prayer

Lord God, Heavenly Father, Maker of heaven and earth, I come before You to bless Your holy name. Thank you for your presence and for keeping watch over my life. I join with brothers and sisters in lifting my hands and my heart in the sanctuary to praise You. I choose, in the midst of everything, to focus on your goodness, your majesty, your power, your grace. 

Lord, I ask that you pour out your presence and your grace upon me. May you bless me and bless all those I love from Zion. Grant me Your peace, keep me secure in Your hands, and fill my heart with the joy of Your salvation. In Jesus' name, Amen.