Introduction To Songs Of Ascents Series

Songs of Ascent

Introduction

Together we stand on the threshold of another new year. What will the coming 365 days hold for us. How can we prepare ourselves for the journey through this year? I want no better way to start this year than by focusing on the section of the book of Psalms known as " Songs of Ascents"

Why? Because we are captured today with a tourist mindset. We spend time visiting attractive religious sites when we have the time. We occasionally dip into the bible as if the bible is a special magical fortune telling book, we go and see and hear the latest Christianity personality on the scene, or investigate the latest blessing. Tourists only want the sensational points. But we cannot become mature this way. The Christian life is a climb—a journey of constant growth, sacrifice, and trusting God for what we cannot see. and of obedience. We are not wanderers but are pilgrims, but we are also disciples—always moving and always learning. Wanderers know where they come from but do not know where they are going to But pilgrims know where they came from and where they are going to - we are going to a city made by the hands of God - Heb. 11:10. We are going to a place prepared for us- that where He is we will also be - John 14:3 We are going home.!

The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) were sung by worshipers as they made the journey up to Jerusalem for the annual feasts These are what someone called "songs for the road." These songs 15 in number - 120 to 134 are sung by the Hebrew men as they made their way to the Temple in n Jerusalem to attend to the 3 festivals - The feasts of Passover. Pentecost and Tabernacles.

Our places of worship are generally only a short distance from home. But we can still learn from this age-old practice. The life of the Christian is a journey, one with ups and downs. Sometimes the road is easy. Other times it’s not. And you will eventually come face to face with your own weakness. The trials this broken world has to offer, whether internal or external, tend to bring us to terms with our own frailty and vulnerability. But scripture teaches us that this isn’t a bad thing! It’s the humility God desires - Psalm 51:17. It’s a proper view of our place compared to God’s and our need for help. And it is in those moments of realization when we remind ourselves of the attributes of God, when we cling to the truths He has given.

While we wrap our minds around a medical diagnosis, we sing of His sovereignty (135:5-7). When we feel unworthy, we press into His guidance (131). We celebrate the gift of his forgiveness as we fail to reach righteousness (130:4), and in the midst of persecution, we solidify our courage in His strength (125). From the lowest valley of despair, we face upward, pleading for help (123), and trusting it will come.

True worship starts from a low place, knowing our Father carries us upward as we fix our eyes on Him .We do not fix our eyes on the hills but on Him the Maker of the Heavens and Earth. And as we go, with every step, we remind ourselves of the end of our journey. We dwell on the goal: worshiping the one true God

Some of these songs predate the building of the first temple, as four are attributed or written by David. One was written by Solomon, and ten are anonymous. At least one of the songs seems to have come from the post-exilic period, because it speaks of the return of the exiles, and the joy they had because of what God had done for them. Many focus on or refer to Jerusalem or Zion, as Jerusalem was sometimes called.

These Songs of Ascents have been a rich source of worship throughout the history of God’s people. They show that the people of God were not just ascending physically as they sang these song, their hearts were being lifted to God as they testify who He is and what He has done for them.

Psalm 121 uses the repeated words of “watches” and “watch” to remind us that we are always under the watchful care of our loving God. He never nods off on the job; our welfare is of the utmost importance to Him. Yes, in this troubled world we will experience hurt, but He will never allow us to be harmed in the eternal sense of the word. We will always arrive safely home, for no one can pluck us out of His hands.

As second Psalm from this collection that I’d like to highlight is 130. There are so many familiar verses and themes in this song. For those of us who have known “depths,” we also know what it is like to cry out to God with an anguish of soul that this first verse captures: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord hear my voice.” What a wonderful truth that our loving God is attentive to our desperate cries!