Development Of Thoughts And Faith In The Song Of Ascents
By Pastor Mitch
August 17, 2018
The Songs of Ascents are not just psalms strung together without relevance. The compiler had a composite picture in his mind as he put together these 15 psalms (Psalm 120 – 134). They were written by different authors; four were written by King David, one by King Solomon and the rest are unknown. The compiler specially selected these psalms and skilfully connected them in this list. There is a development of thought and faith as we read from one psalm to another.
MOVING FROM DISCOURAGEMENT TO ENCOURAGEMENT
- Psalm 120 – Discouragement
Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! My soul has dealt too long with one who hates peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war” Psalm 120:5-7
As the writer of this psalm sought to begin his journey on his pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he felt a sense of discouragement. He felt both physically and spiritually distant from Jerusalem and the Lord respectively. He recognised how he had been influenced by the people of the world. He had spent too much time with them. There was the struggle within his heart concerning his speech. He wanted to speak peaceful words to people but what was often expressed were words of anger. Sin had caused this distant from God. That was why he felt a deep sense of woe and dismay.
- Psalm 121 – Encouragement
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.” Psalm 121:1
When we move from Psalm 120 to Psalm 121, there is movement from discouragement to encouragement. From just looking at one’s predicament, there was now some faith to look up to God. As writer of this psalm walked on his way to Jerusalem, he saw the hills of Mount Zion and others. They reminded him of the Lord God Almighty.
a. A powerful help
He was able to focus on the Lord who created the heavens and the earth as his source of help. His theology of God was applied to his life. That power that created the heavens and the earth was the same power that will help him in his daily life.
b. A personal help
God’s power would specially keep and protect the writer of this psalm personally. His power will preserve him from all evil. The Lord would be His keeper. The Lord would personally be there for him.
c. A perpetual help
The Lord God would be his help every day and every hour of the day. The Lord would be there for him 24/7. Wherever we go and whatever time it is, the Lord’s help would be available to us. What a great encouragement! Let’s be encouraged to rely on the Lord and His power to help us at any time.
