Day 748: Psalm 120- A New Direction

In my distress I called to the Lord,
    and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O Lord,
    from lying lips,
    from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given to you,
    and what more shall be done to you,
    you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior's sharp arrows,
    with glowing coals of the broom tree!
5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
    that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling
    among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace,
    but when I speak, they are for war!
 
Meditation
As Christ followers we walk in a new way to worship the Lord. Jesus is our path (John 14:6) to approach worship of our Father in Spirit and truth (John 4:23).  This Psalm of ascent is an ancient song sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for worship. Pilgrims respond to God’s grace by walking God’s way to go worship Him.
 
Pilgrims leave dark dwellings to worship the God of light and love. Leaving a people and place of war, pilgrims’ journey toward peace (7). For too long we have made a dwelling with those who hate peace (6) and practice as pagans (5). Mercy moves us down a path with peace.
 
Drawn swords (4) and deceitful tongues (3, 2) are what pilgrims want to be delivered from. Pilgrims know we need Divine deliverance (2) to leave these problematic places. Looking to the Lord, pilgrims plead, “Deliver me” (2)! In distress we call to the Lord and He answers (1). Pilgrims leaving to walk God’s way are dependent on God from the first step.
 
Christians are delivered when we cry out to Jesus our Savior. Jesus was given to violence so we can have victory, a victim of lies so we can know truth. Jesus was delivered to death so we can find new life and walk God’s way for abundant life! The work of Jesus is why He is the only way for us to begin and celebrate a new direction.
 
Richly Dwelling
-Where are you on the pilgrim path, journeying to worship and walking in God’s way or dwelling in the place of pagan practices with people who hate peace?
 
-Have you cried out to God for deliverance, in dependance on His grace to go in a new way? Why or why not?
 
-Jesus is the only way to begin and celebrate a new direction. Focus your faith and your heart on Him so by His grace you can begin again!
 
Key Verse
6 Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. 7 I am for peace…