READ: Psalm 120 & 121
THINK: These Psalms kick of the set of 15 Psalms (120-134) known as the Songs of Ascent. They are given this title because they all begin with the Hebrew phrase shir hama’aloth which literally means “song of ascent.” Tradition says that these short, upbeat, and memorable Psalms were sung by the Jewish people as they ascended the heights to Jerusalem for the three yearly festivals (Passover, Weeks, & Booths). Take some time with these Psalms. They’re short so you can read and reread them. Some monks were known to recite all of them in prayer and worship every single day.
Psalm 121 is one of my favorites. I don’t know exactly why verse 1 has this association in my mind, but each time I read it I am reminded of the dramatic scene in the Sound of Music when the Nazi’s are chasing the Von Trapp family and have them basically cornered in the Convent and the Reverend Mother quotes it (from the King James Version), “I lift my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help…” That scene and that verse have always been a powerful reminder for me that no matter how dark life seems, no matter what storms I might encounter, no matter what happens, I have my hope secured because my help comes from the Lord! I pray that Psalm 121 will give you that same confident hope.
PRAY: Listen to this song by David Crowder. It is simple and short (like the Songs of Ascent) but powerful. Let it be your prayer of worship today.
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