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Psalm 120; Psalm 121; Psalm 123; Psalm 125; Psalm 126<\/strong><\/span> Psalms <\/strong>\u2013 Psalm 120 is the beginning of 15 Psalms known as \u201csongs of ascent!\u201d\u00a0 This could mean the ascent of the stairs to the Temple in Jerusalem \u2013 or more likely the annual religious pilgrimages and the ascent to Mount Zion in Jerusalem.\u00a0 \u00a0Are you ready for the next 15 Psalms of Ascent?<\/span><\/p>\n Verse 1 in this Psalm should be encouraging to each of us: \u201cI took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Do you have troubles in your life?\u00a0 Have you brought them to God in prayer?\u00a0 Will you?\u00a0 Will you allow him to answer your prayer?<\/span><\/p>\n Psalm 121 is the second in this series of 15 Psalms of ascent that were likely written for religious festivals when people were making their pilgrimages to Israel.\u00a0 I love verses 3 & 4 today \u2013 \u201cHe will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps.\u201d <\/em>How about that!\u00a0 God does not sleep!\u00a0 This reminds me of other parts of the Bible where it talks about God being pure light and having no shadows.\u00a0 God is also so perfect that he does not sleep!\u00a0 I like that\u2026\u00a0 Allows me to sleep better at night.<\/span><\/p>\n And the closing verse 8\u2026 wow\u2026 \u201cThe LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>Do you believe this is true?\u00a0 Do you believe that God watches over you \u2013 always?<\/span><\/p>\n Psalm 123 continues the songs of Ascent.\u00a0 Psalm 123 is a short one, but a great one.\u00a0 I love these portions of verses 2 and 3 \u2013\u00a0 \u201cWe look to the LORD our God for his mercy\u2026.Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy\u2026\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Do you look to the Lord for his mercy?\u00a0 What does God\u2019s mercy to you look like?\u00a0 Why would you need God\u2019s mercy?\u00a0 Do you pray to the Lord this simple prayer \u2013 \u201cHave mercy on us, Lord, have mercy\u201d?\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Psalm 125 has great verses in 4 & 5: \u201cO LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you.\u00a0 \u00a0But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD. Take them away with those who do evil. And let Israel have quietness and peace.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 I love that closing line \u2013 let us have quietness and peace!\u00a0 What a great prayer.\u00a0 Don\u2019t we all wish for quietness and peace in our lives?\u00a0 One thing I\u2019ll recommend \u2013 which I am trying so hard to learn myself \u2013 is to take a Sabbath day of rest each week. Just rest.\u00a0 Just be peaceful.\u00a0 Just be with God.\u00a0 One day a week.\u00a0 It will dramatically change the other 6 days of your week without a doubt.\u00a0 Will you join me on this quest for quietness and peace in our lives by taking a Sabbath day of rest once each week?<\/span><\/p>\n Psalm 126 has a great verse today.\u00a0 I always love the verses in Psalms that speak about water!\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what it is about these verses, but here\u2019s verse 4: \u201cRestore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert.\u201d<\/em> Do you believe that God can restore your life like water restores the desert?\u00a0 Will you allow God\u2019s water into all the nooks & crannies in your life that are in need of renewal?<\/span><\/p>\n Do you believe that God is living water?\u00a0 Are you thirsty for that living water in your life?\u00a0 Will you drink the Water?<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video: <\/strong>Today\u2019s readings in Psalm 120:1 remind me of the song \u201cWhat if His People Prayed\u201d by Casting Crowns:<\/span><\/p>\n \n
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