A Journey of Worship: Psalm 121-122

​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.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, Who made Heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” 
​Psalm 121

Psalm 121: My Help Comes from the Lord

In times of uncertainty and struggle, we often search for a source of help and strength. Psalm 121, titled "My Help Comes from the Lord," provides us with a powerful reminder! Our ultimate help and security come from God alone. Let's dive into the profound message of this Psalm and explore the reassurance it offers. We'll discover lessons that we can apply to our daily walk with God.

Verse 1-2—Seeking Help from Above: "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made Heaven and earth."

The psalmist begins by acknowledging their need for help. He directs his gaze toward the hills, contemplating where assistance will come from. In these verses, they affirm their unwavering trust in God, the Creator of Heaven and earth. This declaration reminds us where our help and strength originate from. God, our help and strength, transcends the challenges we face in our daily lives.

Verse 3-4—The Keeper Who Never Rests: "He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."

The psalmist assures us of God's unwavering attentiveness and care. Unlike humans who tire and require rest, the Lord is ever-watchful. He watches over us, ensuring that we remain steady and secure in our walk. He directs our path. These verses illustrate the constant presence of our faithful God. He NEVER takes His eyes off His children, safeguarding us with His unwavering love.

Verse 5-6—Sheltered in His Presence: "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night."

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In these verses, the psalmist portrays the Lord as our protector and shelter. Just as a shade shields us from the scorching sun, God's presence provides us with refuge. Day and night, in all circumstances, the Lord shields us from harm. This imagery reminds us that regardless of the challenges we face, we can find refuge in God. Run to the comforting embrace of your Heavenly Father, friend!

​Verse 7-8—Keeping and Preserving: "The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."

In the final verses, the psalmist emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's care. The Lord not only guards us from evil but preserves our entire existence. He watches over our every step, both as we go out and as we return home. This eternal promise assures us that God's protection extends beyond our present circumstances. His shelter over us lasts for all eternity.

Psalm 121 serves as a source of immense comfort and encouragement. It reminds us that our help comes from the Lord, the One who created all things and remains steadfast in His care for us. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, let's fix our gaze on the One who never slumbers. Let's find rest in His unwavering love and protection. May we take heart in knowing that the Lord is our constant Keeper. He's a Shield, shielding us from harm and providing refuge in times of trouble. Let's trust in His guidance, knowing that He watches over and ordains our every step. As we journey through life, let the words of Psalm 121 be a constant reminder of where our security rests. Our ultimate security rests in the hands of our loving and ever-present God.

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’ 
Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!

Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! ‘May they be secure who love you!
Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!’
For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.” ​​Psalm 122

Psalm 122: Let Us Go to the House of the Lord

Psalm 122, titled "Let Us Go to the House of the Lord," speaks to worship. It captures the anticipation and delight that comes with gathering together for worship. When we gather corporately in the presence of God to worship Him it should be a delight. Today, let's explore the essence of this Psalm. Let's seek to understand its significance in fostering unity. Let's offer prayers for peace, and seek the welfare of others. Let's dive into the timeless message of Psalm 122 and discover its relevance in our lives today.

Verse 1-2—Rejoicing in the House of the Lord: "I was GLAD when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!' Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!"

The psalmist begins with a profound sense of joy and gratitude as he enters the house of the Lord. The act of gathering together in worship should be a cause for gladness and celebration. The mention of Jerusalem—the city where God's presence dwelled—evokes reverence. These verses remind us of the privilege we have to come into the presence of God and into His house. There should be a deep satisfaction arising within us from being in His house.

​Verse 3-5—The Significance of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David."

The psalmist recognizes Jerusalem as the center of worship. This is where the tribes of Israel gathered to offer their gratitude and honor the name of the Lord. It was a place of unity and divine justice, symbolized by the thrones of the house of David. These verses highlight the importance of corporate worship. Worship should be a unifying focal point for God's people.

Verse 6-9:—Prayers for Peace and Welfare: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! 'May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!' For my brothers and companions' sake, I will say, 'Peace be within you!' For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good."

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The psalmist implores the congregation to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. He recognizes the significance of peace and security within the city walls. His desire for peace extends far beyond personal well-being. It encompasses the welfare of fellow believers and the house of the Lord. These verses emphasize the importance of intercession for others. We should be actively engaged in seeking the good of God's dwelling place. We should also be committed to pursuing the good of our broader community. Psalm 122 reminds us of the joy and privilege of coming together to worship in the presence of the Lord. I hope you feel that way, friend! This Psalm calls us to cherish the unity found in the house of God. It also implores us to pray for peace and security. This is not just peace and security for ourselves but for the entire community of believers. As we gather for worship, may we embrace a sense of gladness and anticipation as expressed here. May we also be inspired to actively seek the welfare of God's house and our fellow believers. Let our prayers for peace extend beyond the walls of our worship spaces. Let them permeate our daily lives and interactions with others. As we embody the spirit of Psalm 122, let us find fulfillment in the unity of worship. Let us pursue God's peace—the peace that passes ALL understanding. Let us model it in our communities and the world at large.in the unity of worship and the pursuit of God's peace in our communities and the world at large. ​

How will you pray the ​Songs of Ascent today?

Read the next post in this series A Journey of Worship: Psalm 123-124.

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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