A Devo From Scot - Psalm 120 & 121

Dear Church,

Words matter. I even pause as I write this because words matter so much, especially in difficult times. Is the word “difficult” accurate? What about trying times? Perilous times? Confusing times? Catastrophic? Epoch-making? You see, words matter. I find it sadly fascinating that in the most complex and precarious moments of our lives, words seem to be plentiful in the surrounding air and yet sometimes scarce on our own lips.

It is precisely for this reason that I find it most satisfying that God has seen fit to write down His Living Word. Consider it. Do any words matter more than His? Does anyone have better answers? So, without denial of the times, events and people surrounding us, let us endeavor, instead of exegeting the news, to exegete God’s Word.

I call you today to read two short sister Psalms. Psalm 120 and 121. In so doing, you’ll discover their unmistakable relevance to the current state of your heart and our world.

Psalm 120 begins with this line: “In my trouble I cried to the LORD and He answered me.”  The closing line of Psalm 121 says this, “The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.” An honest acknowledgment of trouble. A declaration of faith in God’s sovereign protection and power. It seems to me this is what we need most.

I hold fast to a biblical truth that has been confirmed and reaffirmed in my experience for decades. That truth: Life is only fully understood when viewed through the eyes of Jesus. So we must draw near to Jesus, understand His heart and emulate His vision of all things in order to thrive in a fallen world. He is the Overcomer. In Him we overcome. Jesus is the Redeemer. In Him, we find redemption and become agents of redemption. Only in this does life here make sense. So sadly, we should expect that this connection - our intimacy with Jesus - would be the one most attacked. I feel it too. We are in this together.

So let us, together, stand firm in the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-12) we find ourselves in, by submitting to the power and authority of God’s Living Word. I invite you to Psalm 120 and 121.

I love you church.

Scot