The Resistance - Day 20
Day 20: Friday, February 24
Read Psalm 121
Highlight
Psalm 121 is a part of the collection of Psalms known as the “Songs of Ascents” (Psalms 120-134). While scholars aren’t positive exactly how the Songs of Ascents were used, it’s most likely that these psalms were recited and sung by Jewish pilgrims while they traveled to Jerusalem for three annual festivals. What we know for sure is that they were regularly used in temple liturgy. Both facts make it clear that this Psalm would have been well known by the Israelites of Jesus’ time because of its constant use in worship of God.
The Psalm begins with a question that indicates the speaker has fear and anxiety as he looks for help. The rest of the Psalm is a reminder that God watches over both individuals and His people as a whole. Like Jesus’ description of God as a shepherd who cares about both the whole flock and the one sheep.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read Psalm 121
Highlight
Psalm 121 is a part of the collection of Psalms known as the “Songs of Ascents” (Psalms 120-134). While scholars aren’t positive exactly how the Songs of Ascents were used, it’s most likely that these psalms were recited and sung by Jewish pilgrims while they traveled to Jerusalem for three annual festivals. What we know for sure is that they were regularly used in temple liturgy. Both facts make it clear that this Psalm would have been well known by the Israelites of Jesus’ time because of its constant use in worship of God.
The Psalm begins with a question that indicates the speaker has fear and anxiety as he looks for help. The rest of the Psalm is a reminder that God watches over both individuals and His people as a whole. Like Jesus’ description of God as a shepherd who cares about both the whole flock and the one sheep.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight something that is wrong in your life?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is one practical thing you can do to apply this to your life?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
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