SCRIPTURE: Psalm 125

OBSERVATION:
Still ‘ascending’ the hills around Jerusalem, going to the temple for one of the 3 festivals, those surrounding mountains are a reminder to the pilgrim that even though the wicked have the upper hand in the land, even though those who turn away from God toward crooked ways seem to prosper, God is surrounding and watching over those who choose to honour Him, whose hearts are pointed ‘up’ in the ‘right’ direction (ie upright). Based on this hope, the pilgrim is petitioning God to do good to those who do good.

APPLICATION:
Sometimes we are more impressed by the power of evil than we are by the power of God. Like the religious pilgrim, we need to keep looking up, keep focusing on God and His power, keep doing what is right and good, keep trusting that God will come through in the end. By faith we need to declare that we have God’s blessing of peace, even though we are still waiting for its fulfillment. Seek Him and His righteousness first, and all these other things will be given as well! (Matthew 6:33)

PRAYER:
Lord, I admit that I am easily distracted by the power or seduction of the world. Help me to keep my eyes on You with aggressive determination, and to remind myself daily of Your promised blessing of peace. Peace be with all Your people! Amen.