Day 110 – Psalm 121, 123-125, 128-130

Talking Points

• These hymns are each labeled “A Song of Ascents,” and are sometimes called the Pilgrim Songs. There are 15 such songs, and together, they form a songbook the Hebrews used as they made their pilgrimage up to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. As you read the words, you can see the truths here still inspire songs we sing today. God’s people have always been a singing people.
• A great theological truth is revealed in these songs! We trust God because of who He is and because of what He has done. If we try to change or discount even a single aspect of either of those things, we create problems in our faith. Notice the Israelites’ songbook highlights this deep reliance on the perfectness of God’s Word. Do our songs confirm this as well?
• It is important to take note that our trust in God and who He is, is frequently tied to Him as the Creator. “My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth,” “Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth” (121:2, 124:8). With this in mind, consider how many attacks against God, today, are attacks on the Biblical account of creation. It matters, and Satan knows it.
• These songs serve as great instruments of God’s encouragement to us. There is something to singing. There is something to singing truths about God that have stood since before time began and will continue to stand through all eternity. There is something to singing His own words. How astounding that God gives us songs to encourage us! In these hymns, we find His exhortation to look to Him, to endure, and to obey. What a great thing that God gives us His help to increase our desire for obedience.

Thoughts

One of the themes of these songs is that God, alone is the Source of our help. This is something that usually takes us far too long to learn. We tend to look everywhere for help, except to the Lord. Do you find yourself looking to Him, only when all other avenues have failed? If so, consider these truths — given by God and sung by His people throughout the ages.

In our trouble, we cry to Him.
For wisdom, we ask Him.
When we long for peace, we look to Him.
Provision? He gives it.
When we need protection, we long for Him.
In need of grace, we can only wait on Him.
If we seek something certain, unchanging, we trust in Him.
In search of righteousness, we look to Him.
For justice, we need Him.
When we hope to see goodness, it comes from Him.
Direction? He leads.
In our despair, our hope is in Him.
The only place to turn for forgiveness is to the Lord.
As the Creator, He is powerful enough to help.
As the King, He has authority to help.
As the Merciful One, He has provided our Redemption — “abundant redemption” (130:7).

Truly, “My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.“