WEEK 8, DAY 2: The Psalms of Ascent
In the Old Testament Psalms, there is a group of Psalms known as the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134). These were songs that the people of God would sing as they were traveling into Jerusalem for celebratory festivals. While reading through these Psalms, it’s important to remember they were songs. The people didn’t just read through them or listen to a local teacher read them during a weekend worship service. Instead, the people of God journeyed together into the city of Jerusalem. Some people with them would be family and friends, but others would be complete strangers. Yet they would join together and sing. They considered each of these Psalms to be a step in their journey to Jerusalem.
The would sing of their desire for peace. They would sing a prayer that God would bring His peace upon others. They would sing that God would have mercy on them. They would sing that they have sinned against God. And they would sing praises because God had forgiven them of those sins.
As you read today, imagine that you were writing a song about your own sins and the forgiveness God offers. How would you put your own words into a song of worship?
READING & JOURNALING:
Regarding this Psalm, pastor Matt Chandler asks, “When was the last time you cried out for God’s mercy, recognizing the severity of sin in your life?”
If you were to write a song lyric (just one or two lines) about your own sin, what would you write?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, it’s interesting to me that those on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem would sing each Psalm of Ascent as a step on their journey. Today, I simply pray that You would provide me wisdom in those moments when I’m not sure what step is best for me to take. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: 2 Kings 19, 20, & 21
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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