Songs from the Heart Day 1

Read the Psalm

Read Psalm 120 below or in your own Bible. Take note of or underline words or phrases that stick out to you.

A Cry for Truth and Peace

A song of ascents.

1 In my distress I called to the Lord,

and he answered me.

2 “Lord, rescue me from lying lips

and a deceitful tongue.”

3 What will he give you,

and what will he do to you,

you deceitful tongue?

4 A warrior’s sharp arrows

with burning charcoal!

5 What misery that I have stayed in Meshech,

that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!

6 I have dwelt too long

with those who hate peace.

7 I am for peace; but when I speak,

they are for war.

—Christian Standard Bible

Mull over what you’ve read. Let these journal prompts guide you.

Look over the words or phrases you’ve marked. Why did these things stick out to you? Jot down a few thoughts.
What does this psalm teach you about God’s character? About the psalmist’s posture toward or relationship with God?
While the Psalms of Ascent were likely sung whenever Jewish pilgrims were traveling to Jerusalem to worship during one of the Jewish festivals, they were definitely part of the Jews’ practice when they traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, which commemorated the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. How is this psalm a fitting psalm for people wandering in the wilderness?
Reread verse 1. How have you realized the truth of this verse in your own life?
Look at verse 5. Meshech was located in northwest Canaan while Kedar was a nomadic shepherding tribe that lived in the southeast of Canaan. These locations were in opposite directions and likely meant to symbolize what it was like to live far from home among people who didn’t understand your faith or hope. When have you felt like that? Explain.
Read verses 5-7 again. This is the cry of someone living among the ungodly who seeks to speak peace but is met with hostility. As a believer, when have you found yourself in similar situations?
How does your life look different from the world around you? Explain.
If you were a pilgrim on the way to worship, what would your version of this psalm sound like? Record a few phrases or ideas you know would be a part of your song.