Psalm 122
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!“May they be secure who love! – Psalm 122:6
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The Songs of Ascents were sung by God’s people as they travelled up to Jerusalem for worship. They capture the heart of a pilgrim drawing near to God with anticipation, longing, and joy. Psalm 122 is one of these songs.
In verse 1, we hear the psalmist’s joyful words: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’”. He is full of joy and excitement in going to the Lord’s house, because it meant being with God’s people, giving thanks together, and enjoying God’s presence. For David, worship was not a duty. It was a joy and a privilege.
David also marvels at the glory of Jerusalem. It is the city that God has built strongly, where all His people gather to worship Him and give thanks. Jerusalem is where God’s appointed king sits on the throne of justice (v.5), and God’s people were meant to rejoice in that justice, in the goodness and glory of all that the king did.
Today, we do not need to travel to a physical temple. In Christ, the church is now God’s dwelling place! By His Spirit, He dwells in our hearts. Coming together to worship Him by singing, praying, listening to God’s word, and encouraging one another is how we meet with God today and rejoice in praise and thanksgiving for what He has done for us in Christ. His presence is real when His people gather.
David also prayed for peace in Jerusalem and said in verse 9, “For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.” David did not say he loved everyone because they were perfect or easy to like. He resolved to seek the good of his brothers and companions out of his love for God. In the same way, we love the church because we love Him. Our prayers for peace, our care for one another, and our desire for unity all flow from that same love.
During this Advent season, David’s joy reminds us to look forward. He rejoiced to enter God’s house, and we too can rejoice as we look forward to Jesus’ return, where we will be dwelling with God in a perfect relationship forever. Each time we worship, we get a little glimpse of that final joy, peace, and togetherness we will have as we worship Jesus in eternity. Until that day comes, may we continue worshipping as a church with thankful hearts, praying for God’s peace, and constantly seek the good of His church, showing God’s love to everyone around us.
Reflection:
What is your attitude when you gather with others to worship God?
How can you be praying for peace for the church as we await Jesus’ return?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the joy of worship and for bringing us together as Your people to dwell among us. Remind us of Jesus’ return and fill our hearts with gladness as we gather to worship you each week. Teach us to pray for peace, encourage one another, and seek the good of your church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Click to Read
The Songs of Ascents were sung by God’s people as they travelled up to Jerusalem for worship. They capture the heart of a pilgrim drawing near to God with anticipation, longing, and joy. Psalm 122 is one of these songs.
In verse 1, we hear the psalmist’s joyful words: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’”. He is full of joy and excitement in going to the Lord’s house, because it meant being with God’s people, giving thanks together, and enjoying God’s presence. For David, worship was not a duty. It was a joy and a privilege.
David also marvels at the glory of Jerusalem. It is the city that God has built strongly, where all His people gather to worship Him and give thanks. Jerusalem is where God’s appointed king sits on the throne of justice (v.5), and God’s people were meant to rejoice in that justice, in the goodness and glory of all that the king did.
Today, we do not need to travel to a physical temple. In Christ, the church is now God’s dwelling place! By His Spirit, He dwells in our hearts. Coming together to worship Him by singing, praying, listening to God’s word, and encouraging one another is how we meet with God today and rejoice in praise and thanksgiving for what He has done for us in Christ. His presence is real when His people gather.
David also prayed for peace in Jerusalem and said in verse 9, “For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.” David did not say he loved everyone because they were perfect or easy to like. He resolved to seek the good of his brothers and companions out of his love for God. In the same way, we love the church because we love Him. Our prayers for peace, our care for one another, and our desire for unity all flow from that same love.
During this Advent season, David’s joy reminds us to look forward. He rejoiced to enter God’s house, and we too can rejoice as we look forward to Jesus’ return, where we will be dwelling with God in a perfect relationship forever. Each time we worship, we get a little glimpse of that final joy, peace, and togetherness we will have as we worship Jesus in eternity. Until that day comes, may we continue worshipping as a church with thankful hearts, praying for God’s peace, and constantly seek the good of His church, showing God’s love to everyone around us.
Reflection:
What is your attitude when you gather with others to worship God?
How can you be praying for peace for the church as we await Jesus’ return?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the joy of worship and for bringing us together as Your people to dwell among us. Remind us of Jesus’ return and fill our hearts with gladness as we gather to worship you each week. Teach us to pray for peace, encourage one another, and seek the good of your church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.