Day 265, September 22 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Psalms 121–123, 128, 130, 134–136
Songs to Sing on the Way to Church
Sunday morning can be the most stressful of the week for many Christians. This is the typical day we get ready for church. That is usually where our stress comes from—getting ready. Although in many worship assemblies, the dress is casual, in others, it is more formal. Dresses and suits need to be found, cleaned, and pressed, hair needs to be done, and someone is always hogging the bathroom.
Staying up too late on Saturday night often compounds the stress of Sunday morning. We are tired, and our nerves are frayed—who feels like singing on the way to church? But if we prepare on Saturday, go to bed at a reasonable hour, and get up a little earlier, we may feel more like worshipping. Singing on the way to church can get us in the mood for worship.
Psalms of Ascent
In today’s Bible reading are what is called “ Psalms of ascent.” These are songs of worship the Israelites would sing on their way up to Jerusalem for their annual and seasonal feasts. Jerusalem is on a high hill in Israel, called Mt. Zion.
We are not sure of the date of these Psalms, but we can be sure they were sung at this time (and possibly previous festal gatherings). Around 444 B.C., more than 50,000 Jews, who had returned from exile, gathered to celebrate the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. The Levites and singers led them in worship in Jerusalem.
Where does my help come from?
In Psalm 121, the Jewish hymn composer says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV). The rest of the Psalm extols the loving watch-care of the LORD.
God was watching over Israel as they were rebuilding the city walls. Despite opposition, in just fifty-two days, the LORD helped them complete the task.
“Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth!” What a wonderful song to sing as they went up to Jerusalem!
Where does our help come from? We can entrust our soul to the Almighty God. Like Israel, if we seek to do the LORD’s will, he will watch over us and help us.
A house of God should be a place of peace.
In Psalm 122, the writer encourages the people to come gladly to the house of God in Jerusalem and to pray for peace within its walls.
What is our attitude about coming to church? Do we seek to make it a place of peace and worship so people will gladly come? Disputes between family or church members are best settled before our day of worship.
A house full of strife is a bad testimony of Christianity, and it drives people away from our doors. Let's all come gladly to the house of God!
Seek direction from God
Psalm 123 encourages the worshippers to look to God and seek direction from him so they will know what to do, for their enemies are ridiculing them.
Do we seek guidance from the LORD when we come to church? Seeking help from God on Sunday will help us face life’s challenges on Monday.
LORD, bless our family
Psalm 128 is one of the shortest Jewish songs in the Bible. It extols the value of fearing (reverencing) the LORD and walking in his ways. If they did that, his blessings would be on their families. Having a large family was important to the Israelites and a sign of God’s blessing.
But, as we know, a large family is not enough. We need our children to learn to follow the LORD by taking our children to church. There, they will be exposed to the truth of the Bible and salvation. If we follow the LORD in reverence for him and teach them about God, they will most often follow our lead and be blessed.
God is forgiving
In Psalm 130, the composer reminds Jerusalem that the LORD is a forgiving God. They and we can place our faith and hope in him (more...).If we wait patiently for him, he will deliver us as he did the Israelites, or help us through difficult circumstances.
Leaders need to set the example
Psalm 134 and 135 encourage the priests and Levites to praise the LORD. They were the ministers of the LORD who served in the tabernacle (a portable worship center) and in Solomon’s temple. They were to inspire the congregation to praise the LORD by rehearsing his marvelous works. The same principle can be applied to the ministers and worship leaders in today’s churches.
Give thanks
Psalm 136 encourages the Israelites to give thanks to the LORD. They and we should give thanks for everything (even the difficult situations which teach us to draw near to the LORD for his wisdom, comfort, and peace).
We should especially remember that what God does for us demonstrates that “ his love endures forever.” The greatest demonstration of his love is our salvation. Let’s not take the LORD for granted. We should be forever grateful for his grace and favors.
Discussion
What are the Psalms of Ascent? How might we apply this concept to our lives?
Name some of the themes in the Psalms of Ascent and tell us their significance.
Focus Verse
Psalm 98:1 (NIV) “A psalm. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (NIV)
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
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Looking Ahead: In our next two Bible studies we learn The Importance of God's Word from one of the Psalms. Please join us!
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