Songs of Ascent - Crying Out to God (Psalm 120)

In a world that seems unfair, chaotic, stressed, and in conflict, we long for peace and security. Where can we find it? Only in God.

Psalm 120

'I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.'

I remember in November 1981, a group of us guys from high school had just graduated grade 12 and we were doing a road trip to go camping southwest of Brisbane. Like any road trip, good music had to be played. So, as I travelled in Terry’s Holden Gemini, we sang along to the Eagles song “The Long Run”.

There is a line in the chorus:

“You can go the distance, we'll find out, In the long run (In the long run)”

As a Christian, I see the Christian life as the Long Run - going the distance with Christ.

Each year, the people of Israel would travel to Jerusalem to the temple for three God given festivals. Some people only had short distances and others journeyed over days. As they walked they also had good songs to sing and reflect on. Psalm 120 to 134. These 15 psalms are known as the Psalms of Ascent (going up to Jerusalem). Over the next few months, we will ask God to help us reflect on these scriptures as we travel the Long Run of our Christian walk.

Psalm 120 seems an unusual song to start a journey. It starts with a heartfelt plea from distress.

'I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.'

In a world that seems unfair, chaotic, stressed, and in conflict, we long for peace and security. Where can we find it? Only in God.

Where is your “Long Run” of life at? At any time and in any season, call out to God and he will answer. This is where hope is found and is the best place to start our journey through the Songs of Ascent.

God Bless,

Pastor Stephen