Ascent: Psalms 122-123 - Ascending through worship by God's mercy

This week, Pastor Nate continues our fall spiritual growth campaign through the Songs of Ascent with Psalms 122 and 123, reminding us that the Christian life is a pilgrimage that has a pattern we see repeated in these Psalms: Desperation, Dependence, Delight. Desperation because of the sin that permeates this earth, dependence on an all-sufficient God, and delight when we arrive home in His presence! 

In Psalm 122, King David rejoices to go to the house of the Lord, teaching us that worship is both our destination and our purpose along the way. Worship isn’t based on feelings but on truth the truth of who God is. We were created for worship, and every action we take should be a living sacrifice of praise.

Then, in Psalm 123, we find ourselves back at the beginning of our pilgrimage, crying out for God’s mercy. Like servants looking to their master’s hand, we lift our eyes in humility to the Lord. We will see that prayer is not about demanding our way but submitting to His will and trusting His justice.

Whether in joy or in trial, the journey continues: from desperation to dependence to delight. So keep walking, and remember, "Further up and further in!"