by Elizabeth George July 20, 2021
Psalm 121 is one of comfort and consolation. The pilgrim lifts up his eyes to the hills, the same hills where the Father "promised his blessing, even life forevermore" (Psalms 133:3), and he is pleased to know that help is coming. He then proceeds to lift his spirits with the assurances of God's care and protection.
It is also know as the “Pilgrim Psalms” or “Songs of Ascent.” Each year God’s people were required to attend the annual festivals in Jerusalem. Fulfilling this law called for a commitment to a long and strenuous journey—an uphill climb every step of the way up to the mountaintop where the temple, the seat of worship, was located.
These devoted worshippers trekked through desert lands where bandits often robbed the pilgrims along the way. Families banded together and traveled in caravans to provided safety for all family members, from babes to the aged. And they sang these songs as they ascended the terrain to the temple!
Many of our days are uphill climbs. Our climbs at home and at work often involve stress, weariness, and the challenge of managing heavy burdens and workloads. It’s hard some days to find any joy as we labor on. We must remember the promises of the Lord and His faithfulness to provide them. This alone should give us the reassurance we need to keep going.
Yet these pilgrims sang! They sang songs like Psalm 121 to praise God as they pushed themselves and their gear uphill. On their way to worship God, they worshipped Him with songs of praise. Through music they rehearsed God’s promises as they struggled onward and upward. They recounted His character. And they recalled His faithfulness.
As you step into your day and step up to take on your responsibilities, with every step you take, lift up your eyes to the Lord. Lift up your songs of praise when you are worn out and weary. Lift up your heartfelt worship as you labor. Your help comes from the Lord.
Lord, I lay before You my worries, sorrows, disappointments, and failures. I place before You my mountainous workload and look to You for a portion of Your strength. Amen.
Elizabeth George--speaker, teacher, and bestselling author of A Woman After God's Own Heart(R)--admits to being a disorganized, goal-less woman when she was in her 20s. Over the decades, the love and patience of God and the transforming power of his Word and Spirit have taught her the life-changing principles she shares in this book.
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:1-4)
Rehearse God’s promises. Recount His character. Recall His faithfulness.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
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