Songs of Ascent - Service (Psalm 123)

Our Song of Ascent, Psalm 123, this week reminds us of a God who is over all, who hears us in our despair, and acts in mercy.

Psalm 123

He is worthy of our trust.

In Nik Ripken’s book, “The Insanity of God,” he tells the story of Dmitri, a Christian who had been imprisoned because of the church he led in his home. While in his dark, cold and oppressive cell, surrounded by 1500 other hardened criminals, he would stand each morning, face east and sing to God. Prisoners would hurl insults and excrement at him. Whenever he found a scrap of paper, he would write out bible verses and hymns and then stick the paper onto a damp column which he could reach from his cell. The guards would beat him for his efforts. When finally, his resolve broke after years of suffering and violence against him, he told the guards he would sign a confession the next day renouncing his faith. That night, the mercy of God answered his prayers. God allowed Dmitri to hear the voices of his family, that he thought had been killed because of his persistent declaration of faith in God, as they prayed for him in their home. God’s merciful gift enabled Dmitri to hold to his faith and not sign the confession. Years later he was released and reunited with his family.

Our Song of Ascent, Psalm 123, this week reminds us of a God who is over all, who hears us in our despair, and acts in mercy. As we serve the Lord, partner with him in life, we will experience contempt and ridicule from others. But let us keep the posture of the servant who trusts the wisdom, mercy, love and judgment of the God enthroned in heaven.

I lift my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy. (Psalm 123:1-2)

He is worthy of our trust.

God Bless

Pastor Stephen