Bible Pathways - July 16, 2009

Psalms 120

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Just as we pray in our hearts for help for our needs, protection from our enemies, or give joyful praise to God, these people sang these psalms as they journeyed to Jerusalem to the sacred feasts. Don't miss reading these special verses in today's reading.

Christians do have frustrations and fears and it is of utmost importance that we know how to resolve these emotional problems. God led the psalmist to reveal the true source of help when he wrote: In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me (120:1). The next psalm gives assurance: My help cometh from the Lord. . . . Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep (121:2-4). To remove all fears of the future, the psalmist revealed: The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore (121:7-8). As a key to making this possible, David wrote: I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the House of the Lord (122:1).

Patience is indispensable as we wait upon the Lord our God (123:2). The speaker's whole being was engaged in diligent waiting, just as the soldiers on the walls await the relief of the morning change of watch. The words they that watch (130:6) suggest the thought of a guard on duty.

At first, we may submit to the Lord even against our will because our past experiences teach us that patiently waiting is our wisest course. In waiting on God it is of infinite consequence that we desire to safely be in the loving hands of our Lord (John 10:29). We want His will in us. Waiting upon the Lord is the expression of our faith in Him and allows God to deal with us in such a way and time as He thinks best.

To many it will appear impossible and too difficult to wait upon God. To illustrate, Saul thought he couldn't wait. Consequently we read: But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought Him a man after His own heart (I Sam. 13:14). The one who knows God will not depend upon his own judgment or his own ability but will wait until God gives direction. Patiently waiting upon God is a test of our faith in Him and brings His rich reward: They shall inherit the earth (Ps. 37:9).

Just one more thing — getting impatient with the Lord's delay may forfeit His fulfilling your heart's desire. Just rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. And if you sometimes feel as if patience is not your gift, then remember it is the gift of God.

Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness (II Pet. 1:5-6).

Thought for Today:

Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28).

Christ Revealed:

As our Protector — the One who shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in (Ps. 121:8). By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (John 10:9). The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (II Tim. 4:18).

Word Studies:

130:3 mark = keep a record of; 130:4 feared = had reverential, heartfelt submission to; 131:1 exercise = concern; things too high for me = things beyond my comprehension.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: George Kopchak • Government Officials: Rep. Barbara Lee (CA), Rep. Donald Payne (NJ), Rep. Mike Rogers (AL), and Rep. Tim Ryan (OH) • Country: Tajikistan (6 million) southeast central Asia • Major languages: Tajik and Russian • Almost entirely Muslim • 82% Muslim; 4% Russian Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Beseech the Lord in intercessory prayer for others when you have questions (Ex. 32:11).

Optional Reading: 2 Timothy 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:24