A Journey of Worship: Psalm 120

A Journey of Worship:
​The Psalms of Ascent

In ancient times, the Israelites took journeys to the temple in Jerusalem to worship. These were sacred occasions during yearly festivals. Their journeys included singing the Songs of Ascent, a collection of Psalms 120-134. These songs reminded them of God's grace and mercy. They also reminded them of His provision, protection, and salvation. These reminders were especially comforting during challenging times. 

Today, our places of worship are much closer, but we can still learn from this ancient practice. We still need to be reminded of God's goodness and these 15 Psalms do just that!

​Read more about A Journey of Worship: The Psalms of Ascent Bible Study here.

GRAB YOUR COPY OF A JOURNEY OF WORSHIP: THE PSALMS OF ASCENT HERE

​In this 3-part Bible study, A Journey of Worship: The Psalms of Ascent,  we'll take a deep dive into each of these 15 Psalms. The study offers comfort, calm, and hope for the various situations we face.

As pilgrims on the journey of life, we find courage in God's strength as we seek His guidance. We look forward to our ultimate destination of eternal worship of the One true God. This is our journey of worship!

Join me today as we dive into A Journey of Worship.

“In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me.
Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. 
 
What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree!
 
Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.
​I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!” Psalm 120

Psalm 120: Deliver Me, O Lord

​The Psalms, often described as the hymnbook of the Bible, are a rich source of comfort. There, we also find guidance and inspiration for believers throughout the ages. Psalm 120, titled "Deliver Me, O Lord," is a poignant cry for deliverance. The psalmist writes of needing deliverance from the deceitful tongues. He also writes of the turmoil that can surround God's people. Let's explore the timeless message of this Psalm and its relevance in our lives today.

Verse 1—A Distressful Cry: "In my distress, I called to the Lord, and He answered me. Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue."

From the very beginning, the psalmist acknowledges his distress. He turns to the Lord for help. This verse reminds us that God is our refuge. Even when we find ourselves surrounded by falsehood and deceit, He is our refuge. In times of trouble, we can confidently call on Him, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers.

Verse 2-4—Confronting Deception: "What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree! Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!"

In these verses, the psalmist confronts the deceitful tongues that seek harm. The imagery of sharp arrows and glowing coals is stark. It portrays the consequences that await those who spread lies and falsehoods. This serves as a reminder that God's justice will ALWAYS, ultimately prevail. Those who engage in deceit will face the consequences of their actions.

Verse 5—Longing for Peace: "Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!"

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The psalmist expresses weariness. He is weary of dwelling among those who promote conflict and hostility. Maybe you find yourself there also today, friend. Despite the longing for peace, they encounter opposition and discord. This verse resonates with our own experiences. We often find ourselves navigating a world marked by division and strife. This can even be the case with other Christians and in the church. However, here we find encouragement to stand firm in our commitment to peace. We are prompted to continue to promote harmony, even in the face of opposition.

Psalm 120, "Deliver Me, O Lord," serves as a heartfelt prayer for deliverance. This prayer is a cry about the perils of deceit and turmoil. When faced with the challenges of living in a world characterized by falsehood, we can turn to God. We turn and run to Him for refuge and protection. As you meditate on the Words of this Psalm, may you find comfort in the assurance that your cries are heard. Not just heard, but deliverance is within reach.

In our own lives, with God's help, let us seek to cultivate truth, promote peace, and stand firm against deceit. Just as the psalmist found rest in God's presence, we too can find refuge in Him. He is our ultimate Deliverer.

How will you pray the ​Songs of Ascent today?

Read the next post in this series A Journey of Worship: Psalm 121-122.

A Journey of Worship: The Psalms of Ascent Prayer Guide

Each chapter of A Journey of Worship includes a thoughtfully-curated prayer. I love praying Scripture, and I believe you will as well. You can instantly download all 15 prayers from our Etsy site. 

GRAB YOUR COPY OF A JOURNEY OF WORSHIP PRAYER GUIDE HERE

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