Finding Hope and Steadfastness in the Psalms of Ascent
Welcome back! I’m glad you’ve chosen to stick with us. Today, we will explore Psalms 120–126, a remarkable collection known as the Songs of Ascent. These were not just ancient hymns; they were living prayers, chanted by the faithful as they walked toward the Temple in Jerusalem.
The rhythm of Life
My wife and I enjoy a wide variety of music, mostly classic rock. On our way to an art market, we often listen to the band we plan on seeing next in concert. It’s one of the great joys of this season of life—the legendary rock bands we wished we could have seen in our youth are still touring, and now we can afford to see them! We immerse ourselves in their songs, refreshing our memories before the show.
Sunday mornings, however, call for a different soundtrack. We always choose one of the Christian artists we enjoy. Listening to their songs helps us enter the right frame of mind for worship. While we worship God every day, Sundays offer a special opportunity for focused communion.
In a similar fashion, imagine the ancient Israelites on their pilgrimage, walking the ten miles from Bethlehem to Jerusalem for worship services. They might have passed the time, and kept a marching rhythm, by repeating these very Songs of Ascent. It’s like hearing soldiers singing chants as they march, but these songs served a deeper purpose: to open their hearts to receive the Lord.
Finding Comfort
Considering recent events in the Middle East, I find profound comfort in reciting Psalm 124: “If the Lord had not been on our side—let Israel say—if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive.” (Ps. 124:1-3, NIV). God has made an enduring promise to watch over Israel. Though He has disciplined them and permitted them to be captured and plundered throughout history, He has never allowed them to be annihilated. He has placed mountains around them and keeps a shield over them (Ps. 125:2), assuring us He is still keeping His promise.
Psalm 126 resonated with me. This psalm was likely written by Ezra, reflecting the profound emotional responses to the return from exile. The people, after seventy years in Babylonian captivity, had witnessed God orchestrate their return. As they walked toward Jerusalem, their hearts would have been overflowing with gratitude.
They describe this restoration as akin to waking from a wonderful dream—the kind you wish you could return to, lingering in bed to savor its memory. For a moment, you might even feel disoriented, wondering, “Was it just a dream, or is it truly happening?” The people of Israel, walking toward Jerusalem after decades in Babylon, must have felt a similar disbelief: “Is this really true? Are we finally going home to our own land? Pinch me so I know I’m awake!”
Rejoicing in Faith
They would have been laughing and singing songs of joy along the way (Ps. 126:2-3), recalling their history and reciting all the great things the Lord had done for their people in the past. Then, they would pray to God to “restore their fortunes” (Ps. 126:4), already expecting that those “who sow with tears will reap with joy” (Ps. 126:5).
This brings to mind a scene from the movie Facing the Giants when the janitor tells the story of a farmer during a drought who, despite the despair, still plants his seeds. While others gave up hope, he prepared his ground. When God provided the rain, his seeds were ready to receive it, leading to a bountiful harvest.
In our home, we often recall this story during hard times. We continue doing the things necessary to position ourselves to prosper when God blesses us, clinging to the faith that He will. We say to each other, “Let’s prepare for rain.”
The world is navigating a dark time. Some of you may struggle with personal challenges; I know I am. But we don’t stop. We can’t give up. Now is the time to “prepare for rain.”
Tomorrow, we will read Psalms 127-133.
Bibliography
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The Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.
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Facing the Giants. Directed by Alex Kendrick. Sherwood Pictures, 2006.
