He Answered

Psalm 120

The first 15 psalms from 120-134 were used by pilgrims going to the festivals in Jerusalem three times a year. These were troubled times. People all around were speaking lies and promoting war. This Psalms starts off these thoughts, but the first verse could summarize it all.

"In my trouble, I cried to the Lord, And He answered me."

I realize that our world is in troubled times. May we cry out to God as if we believe we need him because when we do, He answers.

Personal God

Psalm 121

1b: From where shall my help come from?

2: My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

The Keeper of the nation of Israel is the same keeper of me, personally and individually. He is not just a big picture God, but he is into the details of each of our personal lives.  He does not sleep or take a break.  He is our shade, our protection, our soul-keeper, our guard at all times.  

Incredible reminder that an all powerful protector is intensely personal!

For who's sake?

Psalm 122

Here David speaks of Jerusalem, the spiritual and civic center of the nation, and asks that people pray for her peace.  The first few verses show the love and respect David has for this city and what it represents.  But it is the last verse, verse 9, that hit me today. 

"For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your (Jerusalem's) good."

I guess this hit me with all that is happening in our nation.  It is an important time as we are seeking the right leader for our country, as we are seeking the good of the US.  The question that hit me was, "For who's sake do I seek the good of our country?  ....really?"