Psalm 125: Landscape of Faith
WORSHIP
LAUDS
Written by Sarah Holcomb
Read Psalm 125
Mountains loom large in the landscape of the Bible. At specific mountains, God meets with people — often in the aftermath or on the precipice of great, uncertain change — to guide them along the way.
Noah’s ark survives a raging flood to rest on the mountains of Ararat. After escaping Egypt, Moses, Aaron, and Israelite elders climb up Mount Sinai to feast at God’s invitation. And when God brings the Israelites out of the desert and into the promised land, God makes his temple on a holy mountain: Mount Zion.
Years later, as the Israelites are ascending Mount Zion for the Passover feast, it’s fitting that their “pilgrim songs” draw from the scenery along the way — scenes that hold specific histories of God’s faithfulness.
The mountains surrounding Jerusalem offer a sweeping picture of how the Lord surrounds God’s people, now and forevermore, as the psalmist writes. They offer a story – and a promise – of God’s justice. The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous.
God’s permanent presence is etched into the world we walk through.
As I read the psalmist’s words, I imagine being one of these pilgrims. What physical markers around me speak to a history of God’s faithfulness in the world? There’s a particular grove of trees that holds many of my prayers over the years. And then there are the dozens of sites scattered across places I have lived, homes I’ve been invited into, places where God has moved in our midst.
Psalm 125 reminds us that we, too, can claim the strength of God’s steadfastness. At the beginning, the writer alludes to Mount Zion to say that those who trust in the Lord (including you and me!) are like this unshakeable, enduring mountain. The powerful place where God dwells is the same place we plant our trust.
This week’s song offers an opportunity to meditate on the unfailing nature of God: God’s name is Justice. A Mighty Fortress. A Balm for the Weary. Our Refuge and our Strength. In a world afflicted by war, sickness, climate change, and every kind of injustice, we need these reminders of God’s faithfulness like water on a trek through the mountains.
Reflections:
What physical or spiritual landmarks remind you of God’s faithfulness in the past or present? Consider visiting one of these places and reading Psalm 125 aloud.
In what places are you yearning to see God’s justice?
Listen to this week’s worship song. What descriptor/name of God is currently resonating with you in this season of your pilgrimage?
VESPERS
A Plea for Mercy
By Anne Porter
When I am brought before the Lord
What can I say to him
How plead for mercy?
I’ll say I loved
My husband and teh five
Children we had together
Though I was most unworthy
I’ll say I loved
The summer mornings
I loved the way the sun comes up
And sets teh dew on fire
I loved the way
The cobwebs shine
On the tall grass
When they are strung with dew
I’ll say I loved
The way that little bird
The titmouse flies
I’ll say I loved
It’s lightness
Lilt
And beauty.
