July 13

Psalm 120, 121, 123, 125, 126

Psalms 120-134 are psalms of ascent. They were psalms which were repeated and sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for various feasts. As you read through these psalms, consider what they were meant to teach those traveling to Jerusalem, and in turn us. Psalm 120 pictures God as the judge of wickedness and evil in the world. Psalms 121 and 125 teach us God is watching over us; therefore, we are never alone and never need to fear. Psalm 123 reminds us God is king and we are needy for him to work in our lives. Psalm 126 speaks of the hope we can find in all circumstances.

Our current trials are not the end of the story. God ultimately, through the return of Christ, will overthrow all the evil, pain and sorrow in the world. One commonality in these psalms of ascent is the fixed attention upon God. As the pilgrims' eyes would have been upward in gaze as they hiked towards Jerusalem, they were encouraged to fix their gaze even higher on God. So, as we go through our days ascending through our to-do list, let us make sure that our eyes are fixed on God and our lives are directed towards him, his kingdom, and his will.

Father God, help me to fix my eyes upon you. Help me not to be distracted by lesser things but to concentrate on your grace, glory, and presence in my life. Amen. 

What is one aspect of God from the psalms of ascent that you need to fix your eyes upon today?

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