A Journey of Worship: Psalm 131-132

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.

“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 131

Psalm 131: I Have Calmed and Quieted My Soul

In the chaos and busyness of life, finding inner peace and contentment can be difficult. It often feels like an elusive pursuit. However, Psalm 131 offers a profound message of tranquility and surrender. It invites us to embrace a humble and childlike posture before the Lord. It encourages us to release our burdens and find rest in His presence. Let's explore the depths of Psalm 131. Let's discover the transformative power of a calm and quiet soul.

"O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me."

The psalmist begins in verse by acknowledging his humility before God. He recognizes the limitations of his understanding. He resists the temptation to engage in matters beyond his capacity. This humble posture reflects a surrendering of control. It also echoes a willingness to trust in the wisdom and sovereignty of the Lord.

"But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me."

In verse 2, the psalmist illustrates the state of his soul—calm and quiet. He compares it to that of a weaned child resting contentedly with its mother. This imagery evokes a sense of security, trust, and dependency. It is a reminder that true peace is found only in God Himself. It's found as we relinquish our worries and find refuge in the comforting presence of God.

"O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore."

Verse 3 is a call to hope and the Psalm concludes with an exhortation for Israel. By extension, this exhortation is to all believers. We are ALL encouraged to place our hope in God. This serves as a reminder that true and lasting hope is found in Him alone. As we seek to cultivate a calm and quiet soul, we're invited to anchor our hope in His faithfulness. 

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Psalm 131 offers a timeless message. It's a message of finding peace and contentment. We do this by adopting a humble, childlike posture before God. This Psalm encourages us to release our burdens and concerns. It also reminds us to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. As we calm and quiet our souls, we discover His transformative peace. This is the peace that surpasses ALL worldly comprehension.

​In a world filled with the constant pursuit of more, Psalm 131 invites us to embrace stillness. It gently says, "Find rest in the loving arms of your Heavenly Father." It teaches us the importance of surrendering control. It encourages us to humble ourselves before God and trust in His perfect plan.

As we journey through life, may we cultivate a calm and quiet soul. May we as a weaned child find rest and security in the presence of our Father. Let us release our burdens and embrace humility. Let's anchor our hope in the unwavering faithfulness of the Lord. In the stillness of a calmed and quiet soul, may we discover the depth of God's love. May we experience His peace that surpasses all understanding. May we walk confidently in the path He has set before us. May we continually find comfort in His presence. May we draw nearer to Him, knowing He is the source of true peace and contentment.

“Remember, O Lord, in David's favor, all the hardships he endured,
how he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
‘I will not enter my house or get into my bed,
I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.’

Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.
‘Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool!’

Arise, O Lord, and go to Your resting place, You and the Ark of Your might.
Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Your saints shout for joy.
For the sake of Your servant David, do not turn away the face of Your anointed one.

The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which He will not turn back:
‘One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.
If your sons keep My covenant and My testimonies that I shall teach them,
their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.’

For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place:
‘This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.
Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.
There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed.
His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.’” Psalm 132

Psalm 132: The Lord Has Chosen Zion

Psalm 132 invites us into a profound exploration of God's covenant with David. This covenant extends beyond David to God's chosen dwelling place in Zion. Through the psalmist's words, we are reminded of the enduring faithfulness of God. His promises to His people, and the significance of worshiping in His presence, is key. Let's dive into the depths of Psalm 132 and uncover its timeless truths.

The Psalm begins, in verses 1-5, with a reflection on David's unwavering commitment to the Lord. It recounts the hardships he endured and the vow he made to find a dwelling place for the Almighty. David's determination and sacrifice reveal his deep reverence for God. It also shows us his desire to honor God above all else. This should be our desire as well.

In verses 6-7, the psalmist recalls the journey to find the dwelling place of the Lord. The mention of Ephrathah and the fields of Jaar signifies the pursuit of God's presence. The anticipation builds as the psalmist declares, "Let us go to His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool!" It is an invitation to engage in heartfelt worship and experience the joy of being in the presence of God.

Verses 8-10 are a prayer for God's blessing. The psalmist implores the Lord to arise and go to His resting place, accompanied by the Ark of His might. The plea for God's presence is intertwined with a desire for righteousness. It's also meshed with the jubilant praise of His saints. The psalmist recognizes the inseparable connection between God's dwelling place, righteousness, and worship. This is important! God's house should be a place of desired righteousness as we worship Him.

Verses 11-12 speak to God's covenant with David. God promises David a perpetual reign from his descendants. This continued reign was contingent on his offspring's faithfulness to God. It reaffirms God's faithfulness to His chosen people. It assures them of an everlasting heritage rooted in His promises. We too are to be rooted and grounded in the promises of God and His Word.​

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The Psalm concludes, in verses 13-18, with a celebration of Zion as God's chosen dwelling place. It emphasizes God's desire to establish His resting place in Zion forever. The Lord's presence in Zion brings abundant blessings and satisfaction to His people. His Anointed One symbolizes the coming Messiah. 

​Psalm 132 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness. It portrays the devotion of David and his longing to honor God. It points to the eternal covenant between God and David's descendants. This covenant culminated in the promise of the Messiah.

Through this Psalm, we're invited to reflect on the significance of worshiping God. We're reminded of the blessings that flow from His dwelling place. It encourages us to approach God with dedication, righteousness, and joy. It reminds us that He delights in our worship.

As we journey to worship through life, let us seek the presence of God with the same fervor and reverence as David. Let's worship Him in spirit and truth. Let's be confident that in His presence, we will find fulfillment, provision, and joy. May we align ourselves with His covenant and testimonies. May we be confident that He will establish His dwelling place within our hearts. May we bring forth blessings and an eternal crown of victory through our worship. In the dwelling place of our hearts, may God's presence shine brightly for all to see. May it dispel the darkness, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us. Let's rejoice in His faithfulness honoring Him with worship, for He alone is worthy of praise.

How will you pray the ​Songs of Ascent today?

Read the next post in this series A Journey of Worship: Psalm 133-134.

​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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