What do you get excited about?

Psalm 122:1–9 (ESV):  

1  I was glad when they said to me, 

“Let us go to the house of the Lord!” 

 2  Our feet have been standing 

within your gates, O Jerusalem! 

 3  Jerusalem—built as a city 

that is bound firmly together, 

 4  to which the tribes go up, 

the tribes of the Lord, 

  as was decreed for Israel, 

to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 

 5  There thrones for judgment were set, 

the thrones of the house of David. 

 6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! 

“May they be secure who love you! 

 7  Peace be within your walls 

and security within your towers!” 

 8  For my brothers and companions’ sake 

I will say, “Peace be within you!” 

 9  For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, 

I will seek your good. 

It is clear that this psalmist is excited to have travelled to Jerusalem, and to be given the chance to go into the temple - look at how they marvel in verse 1 about standing just inside that city's gates! Is there anywhere that gets you excited like that? This writer recognises that Jerusalem has been a place of pilgrimage for generations of every tribe of Israel. A place where the whole nation gathers to remember and worship God. Not only that, but David chose Jerusalem to be his home when he was King of Israel, so the city has housed kings for centuries. For David there could be no better place to live than the holy city, the place where God is worshipped. Therefore Jerusalem became not only a spiritual centre, but also a political one. It became a city that draw together the earthly and the heavenly powers. No wonder the writer was excited to enter into this place of great renown and significance! They felt honoured to be there, and acknowledged the weight of significance of this city, which has been much fought over and written about. Their response to being in such an awe-inspiring place is to pray. 

They pray for this city to know peace, every part of it; the walls, towers, Israelites, friends, the house of the Lord and even unknown people who love what Jerusalem stands for. This person prays that this place, and the people who love God, should be marked by peace and security. How wonderful that this believer was so inspired and excited about being in the holy city, that they prayed. They prayed for it's peace and security, for the physical city and for those within it. 

How do you feel when you enter a place where people gather to God? Do you feel peaceful, safe, excited? The history of faith, the battles fought, and the triumph of God's kingdom should influence how you approach a place of worship. Some places are admittedly, more impressive and beautiful than others with their architecture. Yet does the thought that people of faith have entered into this place before you, sometimes for generations inspire you? Do you get excited by the faithfulness of God and His people that have impacted the city, town or village where you worship?

I wonder how you respond to the inspiring testimonies of faith, the history and faith displayed there. This psalmist prayed. He prayed that the city and the people would know peace and security. What a wonderful response to their excitement! What is your response to where you worship or live? 

Why not take some inspiration from this psalmist and start to pray for where you worship, ask God for His peace and security for this place and people. Even if you don't really like the location you can still pray, pray that ‘For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.’ Desire good for the place and the people and pray for it, if not because you want to, because you love and honour God and His presence. Pray for the area, every part of it; the buildings, businesses and believers. Pray that where you gather will be a place where people come in joy, anticipation, security and peace, because the Lord has built His house there, just like He did in Jerusalem.

Help!

 Psalm 121:1–8 (ESV):  

1  I lift up my eyes to the hills. 

From where does my help come? 

 2  My help comes from the Lord, 

who made heaven and earth. 

 3  He will not let your foot be moved; 

he who keeps you will not slumber. 

 4  Behold, he who keeps Israel 

will neither slumber nor sleep. 

 5  The Lord is your keeper; 

the Lord is your shade on your right hand. 

 6  The sun shall not strike you by day, 

nor the moon by night. 

 7  The Lord will keep you from all evil; 

he will keep your life. 

 8  The Lord will keep 

your going out and your coming in 

from this time forth and forevermore. 

Who helps you and who do you help?

It is great to feel useful, to desire to help people, and to be helped. At times, we need it, some people require more help than others, but all of us at some point realise that we cannot do this life alone, and we need some support. The thing is, have you ever encountered a situation where the support offered, or the support you have offered is not actually helpful? I know i have. Where someone has the desire to help, but often it takes longer or makes the problem worse, not because they are trying to scupper things, but because although the person is willing, they are not able to provide the right kind of help needed in that situation. We can all be that person if we are not careful. 

There are situations when people require help, but you are not the right person to provide it. This means that you need to put pride aside, and allow other sources of help to step in. There are also people who always seem to need help with something, but really they need to learn to become capable themselves rather than getting others to do things for them all of the time. In addition, there are times when we step in to help, and we shouldn’t because our help is not what is needed, and God has a bigger plan than fixing this issue by human means. So, when there is a situation where help is needed, do you give God a chance to be the One who helps? 

Is God your first port of call when there is something awry? Whether it’s a health or financial issue, a mechanical problem or a work issue, a relational discord or community welfare? Like the psalmist, do you look to God for help in all of these things? Or do you just look to Him when things get REALLY bad? Don't get me wrong, there are some simple things that we should just get on with, like a screw needing tightening, a ripped garment mending, or an injury tending to. But, what about the bigger things? The more complex problems, where there is no clear or easy path? Do you lift your eyes up before you act, or jump in to help someone then?

The promise in this psalm is that God helps. Plus He is; creator, guide, sustainer, provider, protector, leader, truth bringer, watchman, eternal, and He is ready. This is great news! Surely, you want someone like this helping you?! One who is capable, considerate, kind, honest, wise and powerful, Our God, is ready and waiting to help you and others in your life who need help. You don’t have to wait for disaster to strike or things to get desperate before asking God to intervene, He is ready and available now to listen and to help. He can help with the big and the small things, the practical, emotional and political things. God can help with any problem you have, no matter how time-consuming or complex, He knows all about it already, the question is, are you giving God opportunity to act? People can get busy trying to solve the problems of life themselves in their own lives and for others. Yet, people are finite and fallible, God is not. God is your keeper now and forever more (v7-8). Are you giving Him opportunity to act when help is needed? Is your first response to jump in, or do you ask yourself, 'From where does my help come?'. 

Fighting for truth

 Psalm 120:1–7 (ESV):  

1  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! 

When you encounter times of distress it is easy to become overwhelmed and think that the whole world is against you. It can seem that everywhere you turn there are enemies and deceit. When you’re in such a time of hardship, everything can seem difficult, and it can feel like you are on your own. It is easy to focus on the pain, discomfort and difficulty and not see anything else. You feel as if you are surrounded by; ‘lying lips’, ‘sharp arrows’, ‘glowing coals’, and ‘those who hate peace’, they are everywhere you look! When your attention is captured by negativity and hardship that can be all you see. Then it is easy to be overwhelmed, anxious and angry. When these emotions swamp you, the fight can seem futile. This is especially so when it feels like you are the only one standing up for what is right. A bearer of truth and peace encircled by lies, chaos and violence. It is exhausting continuing to attempt to bring peace and restoration when, ‘i speak, they are for war’. Every time you open your mouth to bring some kind of resolution, you are shot down by sharp arrows and glowing coals, a battle erupts and you can wonder; is it worth the fight? What is the point, i am not making a difference? 

When you feel like that, go back to the start of the psalm, ‘in my distress i called to the Lord, and he answered me’. Think about that. You are not fighting alone, no matter how it feels. When you stand up for righteousness, for the things God cares about, when you stand on truth and desire peace, you have God on your side! So the best thing to consider is not the difficulty, but what does God want you to do in this situation? Whatever He tells you, do it. You are one of His children, living amongst a people who do not acknowledge Him, so it will be tough at times. You will have to stand up and stand out from the crowd by displaying God's kingdom values, like not lying, or trying to enforce your views through terror. You belong to a different kingdom, so ask for God's strength to help you show it, and remind yourself that God sees, cares for, and is with you (v1). What greater power and influence can you have than knowing God is present and answering you?

Take time to think about previous battles, whether they are yours, someone else's, or biblical accounts - what happened then?! I am sure that you will see that the people of God were oppressed, battling, finding life difficult, until God answered in a tangible way. He stepped in, rescued, and sorted it out. Therefore, keep living life obedient to God. Don’t be swayed or misdirected by others, keep being the truth teller and the peace bringer, keep standing for what you know is right, and keep asking God to intervene. The Lord Your God will prevail in the battles you face. For what are lying lips, glowing coals, sharp arrows, deceitful tongues or war bringers in front of Almighty God?! 

Lies or Truth?

 Psalm 119:161–168 (ESV): 

Sin and Shin

 161  Princes persecute me without cause, 

but my heart stands in awe of your words. 

 162  I rejoice at your word 

like one who finds great spoil. 

 163  I hate and abhor falsehood, 

but I love your law. 

 164  Seven times a day I praise you 

for your righteous rules. 

 165  Great peace have those who love your law; 

nothing can make them stumble. 

 166  I hope for your salvation, O Lord, 

and I do your commandments. 

 167  My soul keeps your testimonies; 

I love them exceedingly. 

 168  I keep your precepts and testimonies, 

for all my ways are before you. 

Do you ‘hate and abhor falsehood’? Or do you tell lies, big ones, small ones, ones to keep secrets or those that you think benefit others? 

All lying should be hated - no matter the purpose or the context, and God does mind if you lie.

The Word of God is truth, so lies are the opposite of God’s Word. If you are person of faith and profess that you love God, you need to be mindful of what you are saying and promising. Are you truly living in The Truth, or have you made up your own rules about acceptable lying? Some people lie with good intention; not to offend others, to protect, maybe to keep something a surprise. Yet lying is still lying and it is the opposite of truth. So, you need to consider whose side are you on; God’s or Satan’s? For Satan is the Prince of lies and when you enter into not telling the truth, you are entering into his domain - is that where you want to be?

Don’t let Satan have any power over you or in your life. Learn instead to abhor falsehood and love God’s Law (v163). It is not easy, and it can be painful to be honest at times. It certainly takes consideration to be loving and truthful at the same time, and sometimes it is best to say nothing. Honesty is beautiful, but needs to be used in humility to God and be wrapped in love. The promise for those who live a life honouring God and His Word is, ‘Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble’. Is this your story? When you live a life of honesty, loving God's Word and abhorring falsehood, you can enjoy peace. If you want to live a peaceful life, ensure that honesty is an important attribute in your life, and stand continually on The Word of God. 

Psalm 119:169–176 (ESV): 

Taw

 169  Let my cry come before you, O Lord; 

give me understanding according to your word! 

 170  Let my plea come before you; 

deliver me according to your word. 

 171  My lips will pour forth praise, 

for you teach me your statutes. 

 172  My tongue will sing of your word, 

for all your commandments are right. 

 173  Let your hand be ready to help me, 

for I have chosen your precepts. 

 174  I long for your salvation, O Lord, 

and your law is my delight. 

 175  Let my soul live and praise you, 

and let your rules help me. 

 176  I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, 

for I do not forget your commandments. 

Do not try to understand the concepts of society, or the way of the world - don’t waste your time on that. They are fickle and change, lying abounds and different views and perspectives exist. You will never get a clear understanding as they are complex. Instead, ask God, 'give me understanding according to your word!'. This will help you live life.If you want some understanding, go to God. Read Scripture, ask Him and allow your understanding of life be formed by the author of life. 

Whatever you are concerned about, whether it is that your circumstances are confusing or painful, the society you are in blind, the changing of laws nonsensical or concerning, the lives of others lost or gone astray, go to God’s Word. It is only through seeking and listening to God's voice of truth that anything makes sense. Do not concern yourself with understanding the World - the world doesn't make sense, it is lost and confused in it's denial of good and of God, so why seek to understand that anyway? Instead make God's Law your delight, allow His rules to help you and remember that all of God's commandments are right (v172 - 175).

God’s words bring salvation, they can bring joy, hope, truth and help. Therefore take delight in them and do not allow the confusion of life overtake your mind. Hold onto Bible verses, remember truth, and the cares of this world will find their rightful position in subjection to Him. 

What do you do when you're worried?

 Psalm 119:145–152 (ESV): 

Qoph

 145  With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! 

I will keep your statutes. 

 146  I call to you; save me, 

that I may observe your testimonies. 

 147  I rise before dawn and cry for help; 

I hope in your words. 

 148  My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, 

that I may meditate on your promise. 

 149  Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; 

O Lord, according to your justice give me life. 

 150  They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; 

they are far from your law. 

 151  But you are near, O Lord, 

and all your commandments are true. 

 152  Long have I known from your testimonies 

that you have founded them forever.

When you have sleepless nights because you are enduring a time of distress, what do you do? Do you spend the time as this psalmist does and meditate on God’s Word?! Or do you allow the worries and stress to overcome your mind, filling it with more stress and worry? 

The inclination to worry has not changed throughout the World’s history, from ancient times to current days people get sick due to stress and worry. Therefore you need to know how to handle it. This author had figured out a God-honouring way to deal with it, and in the New Testament, Paul gives us a practical way to handle any concerns. For he instructs us to ‘take every thought captive to obey Christ’! (2 Corinthians 10:5). This is how you effectively handle distress and concerns. 

When you are experiencing stress, what do you focus on? Is it worse case scenario, with fears deepening, or are your thoughts obedient to Jesus? Both the writer of this psalm and Paul show that thinking about God and reading His Word are solutions to times of concern. Reading Scripture, and pondering on the nature of God and all that Jesus has done whilst ensuring that you remain obedient will help you. Meditate on God’s promises (v148), keep reminding yourself of the truth so that whenever the worries and fears attempt to sneak back in you can fight back. Retrain your brain to think of God first not fear first - take every thought captive. Taking something captive is forceful and intentional. It does not happen by chance, and you need to keep working at it. 

In the book of Corinthians, Paul goes onto say that by taking your thoughts captive, ‘we destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God’. Do you want to destroy what the enemy is trying to build? You have the power to do that by adjusting your mindset. Take charge of what you think about, you can help what your mind focuses on. You can take your thoughts captive to obey Christ. Instead of spending time pacing around or allowing your mind to whirl during sleepless hours, read God’s Word, listen to Scripture, recall His promises, meditate on His promises, and consider Christ. Do the hard work of retraining your brain, to transform your thoughts from those of worry to those of God-honouring confidence and peace. 

Psalm 119:153–160 (ESV): 

Resh

 153  Look on my affliction and deliver me, 

for I do not forget your law. 

 154  Plead my cause and redeem me; 

give me life according to your promise! 

 155  Salvation is far from the wicked, 

for they do not seek your statutes. 

 156  Great is your mercy, O Lord; 

give me life according to your rules. 

 157  Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, 

but I do not swerve from your testimonies. 

 158  I look at the faithless with disgust, 

because they do not keep your commands. 

 159  Consider how I love your precepts! 

Give me life according to your steadfast love. 

 160  The sum of your word is truth, 

and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. 

Do you know that you have one who pleads your cause and redeems you? The same One also gives you life! in 1 John 2:1, John confirms this, ‘My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.’ So, no matter what the situation, whether it is a matter of oppression, persecution, the wrongdoing of others, or even your own sinful behaviour, you have every right to plead your cause for redemption! 

Jesus is your advocate, and he will always advocate for you no matter if the situation or pain you are in is your own fault or not. You have the right and permission to ask for forgiveness and freedom. For Jesus Christ the righteous died for every sin, so that he could show you how great the mercy of God is! Therefore never be afraid to approach your Father in heaven to plead your cause and redeem you (v154).

Your persecutors and adversaries may be many, but think about how big God is, how many are His heavenly hosts and how He has delivered and redeemed His people before. Find out the stories in the Bible that can strengthen you, and trust that God is the same now as He was then. God can turn your life around - are you trusting that He will? Approach God today and plead your cause, even if you feel like you are the one who has messed up, or even if you have asked hundreds of times before. God is listening, God is forgiving, and God is redeeming. 

You don’t need to be afraid, you don’t need to live disgusted or disappointed with yourself for Jesus, your advocate, has stepped in for you. He has put to death all that separates you from God. Therefore you can ask God to, ‘Give me life according to your steadfast love’. You can know forgiveness and appreciate a relationship with God, for great is His mercy (v156). This is only possible because you have an advocate through Jesus Christ the righteous - don’t forget it!

What are you desperate for?

 Psalm 119:129–136 (ESV): 

Pe

 129  Your testimonies are wonderful; 

therefore my soul keeps them. 

 130  The unfolding of your words gives light; 

it imparts understanding to the simple. 

 131  I open my mouth and pant, 

because I long for your commandments. 

 132  Turn to me and be gracious to me, 

as is your way with those who love your name. 

 133  Keep steady my steps according to your promise, 

and let no iniquity get dominion over me. 

 134  Redeem me from man’s oppression, 

that I may keep your precepts. 

 135  Make your face shine upon your servant, 

and teach me your statutes. 

 136  My eyes shed streams of tears, 

because people do not keep your law. 

This writer yearns to know more of God’s Word. They pant for it (131) because they want to hear from God and they recognise their need of Him. Without God’s Word this psalmist is parched and desperate, they need His word for survival. Have you ever felt that desperate to hear from God? Do you recognise your own need of Him.

This author is a skilled and intelligent person, we can tell that from the way that Psalm 119 is constructed. Every set of 8 verses starts with the same Hebrew letter. That takes consideration, creativity and intelligent design, especially as each part flows and it all builds to glorify God and His Word. Yet, even though they are a gifted individual with intelligence and capability, they still long for God and thirst for more understanding and godly wisdom. Even though we can see that this person is smart, they still say, ‘The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.’ Maybe at one point in thier life, they felt as if they were simple, or maybe they recognise that God's Word is accessible and relevant to all people. Without God’s Word people live in darkness and have no understanding. For God is the one that provides both. An intelligent writer gifted with words, or a simple person can read the Bible and be inspired, receive instruction, guidance and life. What a wonderful gift God has given His children through His written Word - all have access to it and can get life and light from it! Are you longing to know and understand more of Him through Scripture? Are you allowing your life to be inspired by the Word of God?

Psalm 119:137–144 (ESV): 

Tsadhe

 137  Righteous are you, O Lord, 

and right are your rules. 

 138  You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness 

and in all faithfulness. 

 139  My zeal consumes me, 

because my foes forget your words. 

 140  Your promise is well tried, 

and your servant loves it. 

 141  I am small and despised, 

yet I do not forget your precepts. 

 142  Your righteousness is righteous forever, 

and your law is true. 

 143  Trouble and anguish have found me out, 

but your commandments are my delight. 

 144  Your testimonies are righteous forever; 

give me understanding that I may live. 

As you read the Word of God, you will see how righteous the Lord God is. His righteousness has reigned from the beginning and it continues to reign today. God is ultimately holy, pure and good. Everything He does, says and commands is right and good. So whatever is going on in life for you right now, that is something steadfast and strong that you can hold onto! You may feel ‘small and despised’ but when you know and rely on The Word of God you have The One who is mighty, powerful, majestic, good, righteous and everlasting standing with you! His words and promises are ‘well tried’, so are you loving and depending on them? 

Even if you feel that, ‘Trouble and anguish have found me out' you can have hope and take delight for His ‘testimonies are righteous forever’! You have nothing to fear when you know the truth that God is with you and for you. He is the ultimate, never-ending authority and ensures that His Word is always kept.So, instead of asking for escape from your circumstances, why not ask for understanding? Learn to trust in nothing else, other than The Word of God, for it benefits the; rich, poor, lonely, surrounded, simple and wise, and God's promises to you will always be fulfilled. 

Truth and Trust

 Psalm 119:113–120 (ESV): 

Samekh

 113  I hate the double-minded, 

but I love your law. 

 114  You are my hiding place and my shield; 

I hope in your word. 

 115  Depart from me, you evildoers, 

that I may keep the commandments of my God. 

 116  Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, 

and let me not be put to shame in my hope! 

 117  Hold me up, that I may be safe 

and have regard for your statutes continually! 

 118  You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, 

for their cunning is in vain. 

 119  All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, 

therefore I love your testimonies. 

 120  My flesh trembles for fear of you, 

and I am afraid of your judgments. 

'I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.' People can twist the truth, manipulate words, seem to say one thing but mean something else. God doesn't. God doesn’t lie, He is not ambiguous, manipulative or deceptive. God and His every word are true and genuine. Therefore when you rely on Him and His Word, you are basing your decisions on truth, and so you get protection, hope and clear direction. Not so when you rely on the words of others. Whose words do you trust in most? Do you completely trust in what God has spoken? 

You can have confidence that as you believe in and abide by Scripture, God will protect, comfort, save, and refresh you. When tough times come, i find strength and hope when i pray God’s words back at Him. For His promises are true and steadfast. God doesn’t change his mind or go back on what He has said like people do. Praying God’s words can help remind you of what God has said, and help you hold onto the personal and scriptural promises over your life. This has certainly refreshed my faith and provided comfort when i have been struggling and petitioning God for breakthrough.

Think of Jesus and his time in the wilderness when the devil challenged him (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus overcame temptation through using Scripture. He recalled it and stood firm on what he knew God has said, and in the end the enemy fled! It was hard for Jesus to resist those temptations, and he didn’t have to recall and stand on The Truth just once for the enemy came several times. Jesus had to repeatedly recall Scripture and fight with God’s promises before he saw the breakthrough. You too will need to continue to fight with The Truth. Don’t let the devil wear you out or convince you, he never tells the full truth, only God does. Therefore it is only God’s Word that can be your hope in hopeless situations, your peace in times of chaos, and your protection in times of conflict. It is an effective weapon, are you using it? 

Psalm 119:120–128 (ESV): 

Ayin

 121  I have done what is just and right; 

do not leave me to my oppressors. 

 122  Give your servant a pledge of good; 

let not the insolent oppress me. 

 123  My eyes long for your salvation 

and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. 

 124  Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, 

and teach me your statutes. 

 125  I am your servant; give me understanding, 

that I may know your testimonies! 

 126  It is time for the Lord to act, 

for your law has been broken. 

 127  Therefore I love your commandments 

above gold, above fine gold. 

 128  Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; 

I hate every false way. 

In this section the writer seems to plead for salvation. He seems worn out yet has hope, and is holding on, even though he sees evil seeming to win. This person is experiencing a time when they have faith and trust in God, but are afraid of being in the hands of ‘my oppressors’. It appears that this situation has been going on for a while as they say they ‘my eyes long for your salvation’, so the implication is that they have been looking out for God to act for some time, and they are still wearily waiting and watching for the circumstances to change. Yet, although they seem despondent, they are not hopeless. 

This writer also recognises their rightful position as one who is NOT in charge. They do not tell God what He should do, but ask, ‘i am your servant, give me understanding’. I think that is a powerful mindset! Although this person is being oppressed and is patiently waiting, they are ontinuing to live life in a godly manner. They are not yet seeing breakthrough but are suffering, and they know God can change things, yet they humbly accept that He has not done that so far. The writer realises that they have no right, as a servant, to boss God around, although they probably wish they could! 

Instead of this psalmist responding in anger or frustration to this continued plight, they continue to pray and live faithfully following God. They are not giving up. For they know and trust that God is good, just and righteous. They are not seeing the change they are hoping for, so they continue to trust that God will do something as His ‘law has been broken’. This person knows they need the strength to wait, and to keep watching out for their salvation. Is that not a powerful witness of genuine faith? To humbly accept the oppression, and to humbly hope and trust The Lord for salvation?! The author does not try to rush the solution and find other ways to get free, but waits, prays and continues to follow God’s instructions. 

How do you respond to God in times of pressure, or when God does not do things the way you think He should, or in your timing?