the journey (step four)

The incredible mural in the picture above can be found on the gable end of 1198 Govan Road (a stone’s throw from the Preshal Trust centre where I work). It celebrates the life of the early 20th century political activist, Mary Barbour, who hailed from the neighbourhood. The mural, however, is intended to imagine a modern day Mary Barbour, looking to a brighter future. For me it is the look in the young woman’s eyes that is so captivating. I love how the artist leaves much to our imagination…

What is she looking and longing for? 

What does she see?

The next step on our pilgrimage through the “songs of ascents” leaves us in no doubt where the psalmist’s gaze is fixed. It begins, “I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven” (Psalm 123:1).

The psalm we reflected on last week pictures God’s people gathering in one centre (Jerusalem) for worship. But in Psalm 123 we note that our living God is not restricted to a geographical location. The psalm echoes what the prophet Isaiah says of God, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool” (66:1).

What insights does the psalmist offer this week about our walk through this world?

He exhibits, first of all, wholehearted faith…

 “I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven” (Psalm 123:1).

It strikes me that we can look at something in one of two ways - glimpse or gaze. To glimpse something is a fleeting experience. To gaze on an object is much more prolonged. 

The psalmist gaze is fixed on God.

I chanced upon a wee life hack some years ago that illustrates what this means. I found that if I was carrying a full cup of coffee upstairs I would invariably spill some of it. However, I discovered that if I focused on a door handle at the top of the stairs I would then be able to walk straight up without spilling a drop. My eyes remained fixed on that object. Wholehearted faith looks to God in a similar way. It rests on his character, feeds on his promises and grows through walking with him.

Secondly, he demonstrates humble expectation…

“As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid looks to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us mercy” (123:2).

Psalm 121 teaches us that God is our protector. This psalm underlines that God is our provider. Paul’s words in Philippians 4 echoes the sentiments of this psalm. “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (verse 19).

And lastly, the psalmist reveals a sense of patient waiting…

“…till he shows us mercy” (123:2).

Waiting is difficult whether it be in life generally or faith particularly. But the justly famous words from Isaiah are a strong reminder that a season of waiting actually fortifies our faith: 

“Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.”

(Isaiah 40:30-31)

What the young woman sees in the Govan mural is left our imagination. However, the Bible leaves us in no doubt that the object of the Christian's faith rests absolutely and exclusively on the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

the journey (step three)

It was a privilege to attend Loch Broom and Coigach Free Church in Ullapool last Sunday morning. At the end of the service we enjoyed a short conversation with one of the local Christians. My wife, Liz, asked how things were going in the church and the gentleman responded positively. He then said that when believers thrive in their faith, the church thrives and the community in turn will be blessed. I’ve mulled that thought over in my mind all week. 

➤ Am I thriving in my walk with God?

➤ Indeed, what does a growing and flourishing faith in the Lord Jesus look like?

➤ And how will the corporate life of the church be enriched if we are, to quote the apostle Paul, rooted and built up in Christ, strengthened in the faith, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:6,7)? 

The next step on our pilgrimage (Psalm 122) offers some answers to those questions.

However, before we get there, I found it helpful to note the huge contrast in the spiritual life of the psalmist in Psalm 120 and David in Psalm 122 (It will only take a couple of minutes to read both psalms). 

Psalm 120 finds the psalmist living in “the tents of Kebar” among those who were opposed to God.

Psalm 122 introduces us to King David as he joins the crowds of God’s people as they worship together “in the house of the Lord” (120:5).

From this I must learn that a believer who is thriving in their faith recognises that who they choose to keep company with will go a long way in determining the health of their relationship with God.

At an even more fundamental level Psalm 122 revolves around David’s appreciation of the Lord. The house of the Lord and the praise of the Lord occupy his attention. 

David is thriving on:

➡️ Fellowship that is centred on God

He is walking in step with those who share his aspiration to meet in Jerusalem for one of the great annual festivals. The Lord had set out his instructions for this purpose, “according to the statute given to Israel” (verse 4), and now they are united in a fellowship that has the Lord and his commands at the centre.

A later “song of ascents” will say, “how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity” (133:1). Jesus prayed for this reality and therefore Christians today must work with eagerness to make it happen (see John 17:20-26).

He is secondly, thriving on…

➡️ Worship that is focused on God

The unity of purpose which exudes from this psalm finds it ultimate focus in the Lord himself. All of God’s people meet in Jerusalem to “praise the name of the Lord” (verse 4). When the Lord is the focus of our worship then a sense of harmony exists between his people.

And finally, David is thriving on…

➡️ Prayer that is directed to God

The final four verses come with added poignancy given the unfolding tragedy in the region in which this psalm is set. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (verse 6). Our prayers for peace must include a request for justice for those who have perpetrated so much suffering. After all, David reminds us that “the thrones of judgment stand” in Jerusalem (verse 5). 

God’s honour is the highest motivation in all our prayers (verse 9).

I am sure that God’s purpose for his people is that their fellowship, worship and prayer prayer life would find its ultimate fulfilment in him. In other words, that we grow, develop and flourish into the people God created us to be.

(Picture - Handa Island)