Psalms of Ascent – Psalm 120
Mar 02 in Steps of Ascent
“In my trouble I cried to the Lord, and He answered me”
The first verse, a cry for help. I am far from home, not where I want to be, no longer want to stay. A decision is made to return, a longing for peace, to leave difficulties and conflict, lies and deceit behind. To follow a new path.
2 Tim 2′… handling accurately the word of truth…avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness … abstain from wickedness..’ (15b-16)’… be a vessel of for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master...'(v.21′)… call on the Lord from a pure heart, but refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels…’(v.23).
Psalm 51:6 ‘Thou dost desire truth in my innermost being, and in my hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom’.
The first step requires an openness with God, requires humility and honesty before God. He does not require an outward virtue but an inward purity. ‘The essential character of an action lies in the motive of him who works it’. Where am I deceived? What does my tongue say about me? ‘The mouth speaks of what fills the heart’ Matt 12:34.’The tongue has the power of life and death’ Proverbs 18:21 Lies are like arrows that wound through its whisperings…
Time to leave the place of exile, ‘repent for the Kingdom of God is here’ repent means to turn around, change direction, from living in a society that follows deception and loves strife, bombarded all day by lies. Jeremiah 6:16 ‘stand at the crossroads and look, ask where the good way is (return to the ancient paths) and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls’ Too long has my soul had its dwelling with those who hate peace.Jehovah Shalom, God my peace. Shalom: nothing broken, nothing missing.
‘Arise and let us go up to Zion’… ‘for they shall come and shout for joy…and their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall neverlanguish again’ Jeremiah 31:1-12