Journeying Home: Hope and Connection in Psalms
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the Psalms of Ascent, specifically Psalms 120 through 134, which are often referred to as the "Psalms of Going Up." These psalms were historically sung by Jewish pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for annual festivals, symbolizing their spiritual journey towards God. The concept of a pilgrimage is not just about reaching a holy destination but also about the transformative journey itself. This journey can be physical, emotional, or spiritual, and it is a path that reorients our focus from our problems to our Provider, from our trials to the God who is with us.
We delved into the themes of hope, reorientation, and the longing for home that these psalms evoke. They remind us that our ultimate home is with God, and this journey of life is a movement back towards Him. The psalms also echo the priestly blessing, reinforcing God's promises to bless and keep us. Psalm 121, in particular, emphasizes that God is our keeper, our shade, and our protector, assuring us that He watches over us in all circumstances.
In our own lives, we experience various forms of journeys—whether it's preparing for marriage, welcoming a child, or facing mental health challenges. These journeys are marked by moments of hope, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. Even in times of difficulty, when God feels distant, we are reminded that He is closer than our skin, nurturing us and helping us grow.
As we navigate our personal journeys, let us hold on to the hope and assurance that God is with us, guiding us towards our true home with Him. The journey may be challenging, but it is filled with moments of divine connection and the promise of God's unwavering presence.
### Key Takeaways
1. Hope as a Driving Force: The Psalms of Ascent are filled with hope, pulling us forward even in the darkest times. They remind us that hope is essential for progress and that God's promises are always ahead of us, guiding us towards a brighter future. [55:28]
2. Reorientation Towards God: These psalms help reorient our focus from our immediate problems to our eternal Provider. They shift our perspective from our struggles to the God who is with us in both the highlands and the heartaches, reminding us of His constant presence. [57:11]
3. The Longing for Home: The journey of life is a movement back towards our true home with God. This holy restlessness and desire for connection and belonging pull us forward, reminding us that our ultimate home is in the presence of God. [59:46]
4. God as Our Keeper: Psalm 121 emphasizes that God is our keeper, watching over us in all circumstances. Whether we are on the mountaintop or in the valley, God's presence is a constant source of protection and care, assuring us that He holds us in His hands. [03:23]
5. The Power of Connection: In times of difficulty, the gift of connection and community becomes vital. Whether through the support of friends, family, or the church, these connections remind us that we are not alone on our journey and that God's love is often manifested through others. [01:16:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[45:26] - Communion Reflection
[47:08] - Journey of Life
[48:00] - Psalms of Ascent
[49:18] - Historical Context
[51:00] - Themes of the Psalms
[52:25] - Playlist for Pilgrimage
[53:06] - Personal Pilgrimages
[54:37] - Hopeful Themes
[57:11] - Reorientation Towards God
[59:46] - Longing for Home
[01:00:31] - Priestly Blessing
[01:01:16] - Psalm 121
[01:03:23] - God as Our Keeper
[01:05:10] - Silence and Intimacy
[01:07:10] - Personal Stories of Connection
[01:10:19] - The Hill We Climb
[01:11:20] - Prayer
[01:16:07] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 121:1-8 - "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the different roles that God is described as fulfilling in Psalm 121? ([01:02:06])
2. According to the sermon, what are the three main themes found in the Psalms of Ascent? ([51:00])
3. How did the Jewish pilgrims use the Psalms of Ascent during their journeys to Jerusalem? ([49:46])
4. What personal journeys did the pastor mention as examples of modern-day pilgrimages? ([53:41])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God as our "keeper" in Psalm 121 provide comfort during difficult times? ([01:03:23])
2. In what ways do the Psalms of Ascent help reorient our focus from our problems to God? ([57:11])
3. How does the theme of "longing for home" in the Psalms of Ascent resonate with our spiritual journey towards God? ([59:46])
4. What does the pastor mean by saying that the journey itself is transformative, not just the destination? ([52:46])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence as your "keeper" during a challenging period. How did that experience shape your faith? ([01:03:23])
2. How can you actively reorient your focus from your immediate problems to God in your daily life? What practical steps can you take? ([57:11])
3. Do you feel a sense of "holy restlessness" or longing for a deeper connection with God? How can you nurture this longing in your spiritual practices? ([59:46])
4. Think about a personal journey you are currently on (e.g., career, family, health). How can you see this journey as a pilgrimage towards something holy? ([53:41])
5. In what ways can you foster a sense of community and connection within your small group or church, especially during difficult times? ([01:16:07])
6. How can you remind yourself of God's promises and presence when He feels distant? What specific actions or practices can help you feel closer to God? ([01:04:52])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to hold on to hope. How can the themes from the Psalms of Ascent inspire you to move forward with hope and assurance? ([55:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Hope as a Guiding Light
Hope is a powerful force that propels us forward, even in the darkest times. The Psalms of Ascent are filled with this hope, reminding us that God's promises are always ahead of us, guiding us towards a brighter future. These psalms were sung by Jewish pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem, symbolizing their spiritual journey towards God. This journey was not just about reaching a holy destination but also about the transformative process itself. In our own lives, hope serves as a beacon, pulling us through trials and tribulations, and reminding us that God's light is always shining, even when we cannot see it.
As we navigate our personal journeys, whether they involve preparing for marriage, welcoming a child, or facing mental health challenges, hope remains a constant companion. It is the assurance that God is with us, guiding us towards our true home with Him. The journey may be challenging, but it is filled with moments of divine connection and the promise of God's unwavering presence. Let us hold on to this hope, knowing that it is essential for our progress and that God's promises are always ahead of us, leading us towards a brighter future. [55:28]
Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel hopeless. How can you invite God's hope into this situation today?
Day 2: Reorientation Towards God
The Psalms of Ascent help reorient our focus from our immediate problems to our eternal Provider. They shift our perspective from our struggles to the God who is with us in both the highlands and the heartaches. This reorientation is crucial because it reminds us of God's constant presence and His ability to carry us through any circumstance. When we focus on God, our problems may not disappear, but they become more manageable because we are reminded of His power and love.
In our daily lives, it is easy to become consumed by our challenges and lose sight of God's presence. However, these psalms encourage us to lift our eyes to the hills, where our help comes from. They remind us that God is our keeper, our shade, and our protector. By reorienting our focus towards God, we can find peace and assurance in His constant presence, knowing that He is with us in every step of our journey. [57:11]
Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV): "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to shift your focus from the problem to God? How can you make this shift today?
Day 3: The Longing for Home
The journey of life is a movement back towards our true home with God. This holy restlessness and desire for connection and belonging pull us forward, reminding us that our ultimate home is in the presence of God. The Psalms of Ascent evoke a deep longing for home, a place where we are fully known and fully loved. This longing is not just for a physical place but for a spiritual connection with our Creator.
As we navigate our personal journeys, we experience moments of hope, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. Even in times of difficulty, when God feels distant, we are reminded that He is closer than our skin, nurturing us and helping us grow. This longing for home is a reminder that our ultimate destination is with God, and every step we take brings us closer to Him. Let us embrace this journey, knowing that it is filled with moments of divine connection and the promise of God's unwavering presence. [59:46]
Hebrews 11:16 (ESV): "But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt a deep sense of belonging and connection with God. How can you cultivate that sense of home in your daily life?
Day 4: God as Our Keeper
Psalm 121 emphasizes that God is our keeper, watching over us in all circumstances. Whether we are on the mountaintop or in the valley, God's presence is a constant source of protection and care. This assurance is a powerful reminder that we are never alone, and that God holds us in His hands. The psalmist describes God as our shade, our protector, and our keeper, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to our well-being.
In our own lives, we may face various challenges and uncertainties, but we can find comfort in knowing that God is always watching over us. His presence is a constant source of strength and protection, guiding us through every trial and tribulation. Let us hold on to this assurance, knowing that God is our keeper and that He is always with us, no matter what we face. [03:23]
Psalm 121:7-8 (ESV): "The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you experience God's protection and care during that time?
Day 5: The Power of Connection
In times of difficulty, the gift of connection and community becomes vital. Whether through the support of friends, family, or the church, these connections remind us that we are not alone on our journey and that God's love is often manifested through others. The Psalms of Ascent highlight the importance of community and the strength that comes from walking together towards a common goal.
As we navigate our personal journeys, we can find strength and encouragement in the connections we have with others. These relationships provide support, love, and a sense of belonging, reminding us that we are part of a larger community. Let us cherish these connections and seek to build and strengthen them, knowing that they are a reflection of God's love and care for us. [01:16:07]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has been a source of support and encouragement. How can you show your appreciation and strengthen that connection today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There are all kinds of types of journeys in life, right? Like there's the physical journeys that we go on whenever we go on vacation or if we run because we're crazy or something like that. Like there's journeys that we go on physically, our bodies go on those journeys. But then there are also other types of journeys. Some of us are on an emotional journey right now. Some of us are on a spiritual journey right now. And all of us are on this journey called life, right?" [47:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A pilgrimage is whenever we move toward something holy. But it's not just about the destination, about getting to that thing that's holy. It's also about the journey, right? The journey is equally as important as the end result. A pilgrimage is a journey to reconnect with yourself and with others and with God." [52:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're hopeless, it's really hard to move forward. My dad and I were talking this morning on the way. He's a professor, and we were just discussing teacherly things because it's awesome to nerd out with your dad about things that you're passionate about as well. And I asked him a question about students in programs that have a hard time finishing. And I asked him if he'd ever had conversations with one that's not going to make it through the program." [56:01] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "These songs of ascent, they pull our perspective and our attention upward in space and in thought. They reorient our focus from our problems to our provider. They reorient us from our trials and our tribulations and our struggles toward the God who is with us in the highlands and the heartache all the same." [57:11] (873 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The journey that we're on, this journey of life, is a movement back toward our true home, which is with the God who created us. And so if you're feeling that discomfort, if you're feeling that tension between what is and what can be, know that that's a part of this journey. The discomfort is part of this journey." [59:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "These songs of ascent were ways that the Jewish community of exiles could connect back to this geography where they experienced and it was representative of the presence of God. There's one theory that I really loved, and these scholars believe that the 15 psalms were sung in succession, like note by note. So they would start down low, and then the next psalm was sung a little higher, and then the next psalm was sung a little higher, and then the next psalm was sung all the way up so that it was representative of this movement that it means to be a child of God back toward God." [51:00] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I can remember all of these journeys toward things that are holy, towards things that are other. And on those journeys, there were certain themes that kind of helped me as I moved along that path. And we see these themes in every single one of these 15 songs of ascent. The first thing that we see, the theme that we can uncover and unpack, and we'll look at Psalm 121 here in a second, but is that all of these songs are hopeful. Every single one of them is aspirational. It's a hopeful thing." [54:08] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "These songs are hopeful, and they pull us forward. These songs of ascent, they pull our perspective and our attention upward in space and in thought. They reorient our focus from our problems to our provider. They reorient us from our trials and our tribulations and our struggles toward the God who is with us in the highlands and the heartache all the same. So not only are they hopeful, not only do they reorient our focus towards the God who is with us, but they also evoke the language of home, of connection, of belonging." [57:11] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The hope in this text is that wherever you are, if you're on the mountaintop, if you're in the valley, if you're climbing the mountain, if you're trying to conquer some mountains that are in your way, the hope of this is that God's got you. God is with you. The creator and sustainer and redeemer of all creation is concerned with you and is keeping you, is holding you, is watching over you." [03:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Psalm 21, this song of ascent, this song of the journey, this song of going up, reminds us that the hill we climb is not towards some building on a Sunday morning. The hill we climb is not towards some personal goal of success. But the hill we climb, the mountain that we're going up, is this mountain that leads us to Calvary, where Jesus eternally has his arms outstretched saying, 'Come to me if you're weary and you're burdened, and I will give you rest.'" [10:19] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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