Psalms 120 - 134                                                     26 September 2000

THE SONGS OF ASCENTS

BACKGROUND TO THE SONGS OF ASCENTS
1. Songs of Pilgrims who made their way to Jerusalem for worship.
2. Some were songs of Jews as they returned from exile.

REFLECTIONS IN THE SONGS OF ASCENTS

1. THE NEED TO REFLECT
a. Realising the inroads of sin in our lives.
"Woe is me... My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace..." (Psalm 120:5,6)
b. Affirming the place of God in our daily lives.
"From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord..." (Psalm 121:1)
c. Sensing the Lord's leading.
"Behold as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters." (Psalm 123:2)
d. Recognising God's hand in our lives.
"If it had not been the LORD who was on our side...."
(Psalm 124:1)
e. Seeking to live the life that God wants us to live.
"Blessed is every one who fears the Lord." (Psalm 128:1)

2. WHAT TO REFLECT ON
a. Characteristics of God
i. As our Helper.
"My help comes from the Lord." (Psalm 121:2)
ii. As our Keeper
"The Lord is your keeper." (Psalm 121:5)
iii. As our Source of blessing.
"The Lord bless you out of Zion" (Psalm 128:)
b. The Word of God
i. Promises of God
"I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body,..." (Psalm 132:11) cf. 2 Sam 23:5
ii. Word of God as our source of hope.
"And in His word I do hope..." (Psalm 130:5)
c. Life's issues
i. Afflictions
"Many times they have afflicted me from my youth.." (Psalm 129:1)
ii. Problems of opposition
"When Men rose up against me..." (Psalm 124:2)

3. HOW TO REFLECT - THE CULTIVATION OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES.

a. Watching.
"So our eyes look to the Lord our God." (Psalm 123:2)

b. Praying.
i. Crying out to God.
"Out of the depths I have cried to You O Lord." (Psalm 130:1)
ii. Pleading the mercies of God.
"Have mercy on us, O Lord." (Psalm 123:3)
c. Waiting.
"I wait for the Lord.." (Psalm 130:5)

RESPONSES FROM THE SONGS OF ASCENTS

1. PERSEVERANCE
a. With a Quiet and Mature Spirit.
"Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul..." (Psalm 131:2)
b. With Hope in the Lord
"O Israel, hope in the Lord..." (Psalm 131:3)

2. PRAISE
"Behold bless the Lord." (Psalm 134:1)

3. PRACTICE
a. The Fear of the Lord.
"Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. (Psalm 129:1)
b. Reflecting
"If it had not been the Lord who was on our side." (Psalm 124:1)