InstaEncouragements Building a worldwide online community of encouragers encouraging others in the faith of Jesus Christ. Join the movement!
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • Come & Dwell
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package
TDGC shop the sale

A Journey of Worship: Psalm 121-122

8/15/2023

2 Comments

 
In times of uncertainty and struggle, we often search for a source of help and strength. #Psalm 121, titled

​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.
A Journey of Worship flatlay
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."
Psalm 121 Prayer
download today's prayer
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."
Psalm 122 prayer
download today's prayer
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. ​
A Journey of Worship prayers
GRAB YOUR COPY OF A JOURNEY OF WORSHIP PRAYER GUIDE HERE

IE Link-up logo
Thanks for joining the InstaEncouragements weekly Christian link-up! We would really appreciate it if you would grab this IE link-up button, place it on your blog, and link back to this post. Thanks! Have an awesome week! 

If you're new to link-ups, checkout our IE LINK-UP page for a brief explanation and a list of other link-ups to participate in!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Please Share
2 Comments
Michele Morin link
8/15/2023 01:53:08 pm

I love thinking about the nation of Israel using those psalms as travel songs!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/15/2023 02:08:47 pm

I do too, Michele! I can almost picture and hear it in my head. :)

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Patsy
    Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here. 

    How would you like access to our online library of helpful eBooks, devotionals, printables, and more? You’re going to love this library, which has all kinds of exclusive content just for you!

    Join the movement by signing up below and I'll send you the link today. And no worries, We don’t spam. Promise! We don’t like spam either.

    After you've joined the movement, hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that! —Patsy

    Join the movement!

    * indicates required
    Come & Dwell
    16 Names of God
    Sweeter Than Honey
    The Heart That Heals cover

    Top Posts

    8 Ways God Spoke to People in the Past and How He Speaks to Us Today
    16 Names of God & What They Mean
    12 Things the Bible Says God Knows About Us
    From a Proverbs 31 Woman to a Titus 2 Woman
    A Lesson From King Jehoshaphat
    16 Names of God:
    ​El Shaddai
    David's Second Goliath
    3 Practical Points
    ​About Prayer
    5 Characteristics
    ​of God's Love
    12 Favorite
    ​Bible Study Tools
    Honoring God by Maintaining Our
    ​Physical Health
    Artza blog banner

    Featured

    Welcome Heart
    LaurenSparks.net
    beLydia.org
    Brave Women Series
    Grace & Truth
    WORTHY Bible Studies
    Money Wise Steward
    Woman of Noble Character
    The Best Bible Study Books For Women

    Categories

    All
    16 Names Of God
    7 Biblical Feasts
    7 Things God Is Not
    ABCs Of The Bible
    Amanda
    Bible Emergency Numbers
    Bible Study
    Books We Love
    Cami
    Cancer
    Christine
    Come And Gather
    Debbie
    Elisabeth
    Evidences Of Faith
    Family Life
    Guest Post
    Journey To The Cross
    Julie
    Kathy
    Link Ups
    Link-ups
    Our Words Matter
    Prayer
    Printables
    Stephanie
    Summer Book Club
    Sweeter Than Honey

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

InstaEncouragements participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a
​means for this site to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
This site also contains affiliate links for The Daily Grace Company, Not Consumed, and Artza.
InstaEncouragements will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links or a link from one of our posts.
​​Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions
InstaEncouragements logo
© InstaEncouragements |2025|  all rights reserved
IE blog footer image
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • Come & Dwell
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package