# 36 2021 Dev. Psalm 120:1. God Answers! Read all of Psalm 120 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Psalm 120:1“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.”
Intro. Ps. 120-137 is a series of Psalms that include 15 “songs of ascent” it is called the “Great Hallel” meaning rejoicing to praise God for His enduring presence, as compared to the series we just finished “Egyptian Hallel” meaning rejoicing to praise God for His salvation. Songs of ascent were sung at the temple by the Priests walking up the 15 steps entering the sanctuary, also sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem for the three feasts required, Pentecost, Passover and Tabernacles, as well as during the return from Babylon.
Psalm 120 calls on God for help: “I call on the Lord…” It has 3 stanzas.
Vs. 1-2 He makes a specific request: “Save me Lord from lying lips…” Who do you call when in distress?
Vs. 3-4 The Psalmist anticipates God’s answer and he imagines the liars fate. He will cut you and burn you “deceitful tongue”. Do you anticipate God’s answer?
Vs. 5-7 The Psalmist despairs the place he lives: “Woe is me that I dwell in Meshek that I live among the tents of Kedar!” The Psalmist makes a moral connection with Meshek one of the sons of Japheth and with Kedar one of the sons of Ismael; warring and wandering tribes that never have sought peace. How do you feel about the culture you live in?
For followers of Jesus; we call on God and anticipate a positive answer. Further, like the Psalmist, we desire to hear truth and live in peace, we want to trust all those around us but we know we cannot. The Psalmist is anxious to go to the feast in Jerusalem, to be among his own people. This speaks to us: “come out of your dwelling place”, your culture, spiritually, desire peace, seek refreshment in Jesus. How, you ask? Make your home a place of peace, a place of laughter and forgiveness. Attend your church, meditate on the Word of God and pray for your family, for churches, for your friends and for those who do not follow Jesus. Intercede for the people around you, Christ is interceding for you. Praise be to God!
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