Psalm 120 begins a series of psalms that come with the title, “A Song of Ascents.” It is thought that these were the psalms that God’s people of old sang on their pilgrimages towards Jerusalem, looking to celebrate the yearly feasts. The Psalmist begins with the solution to his distress.

¹ In my distress I cried to the Lord,
And He heard me.
² Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips
And from a deceitful tongue.

Verses 3 and 4 considers the fierceness of the psalmist’s enemies.

³ What shall be given to you,
Or what shall be done to you,
You false tongue?
⁴ Sharp arrows of the warrior,
With coals of the broom tree!

Verses 5, 6 and 7 carry the concern of being so far away from the LORD God and His city.

Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech,
That I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 My soul has dwelt too long
With one who hates peace.
7 I am for peace;
But when I speak, they are for war.

Beloved, in summary, if you are far away from God, call out the distance, call out the fierceness of your enemies, and cry out to the Lord as you prepare for the long journey towards Him and worship of Him. And never forget, that Jesus, who has died for you and who now lives in eternal glory, preparing for your arrival, is coming back to usher you in. Until then, you have the promised Holy Spirit to prepare you for the Christ’s arrival. Let us pray.

Dear Lord and heavenly Father,

The days are long. The enemies are fierce. But in the name of the Son, Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, I seek Your presence. I seek to worship You. Blessed be Your holy name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.