Songs of Ascent - Glad to be in God's Presence

August 24

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 120 – 123

Verse of the Day: Psalm 122:1 – “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah.”

We now enter a section of Psalms that are called the “Songs of Ascent.” They are the Psalms 122 to 134. The pilgrims who were making their way to Jerusalem to worship God during one of the three annual national feasts used them. 

Jerusalem set upon a high hill – thus you always had to go “up” to the Holy City. When the pilgrims made the demanding climb to go to the city, they would sing these songs as an encouragement. Psalm 120 was a cry of distress. This was followed by 121, which was a song of trust in God. Our verse today begins the song of joy of their arrival to worship God. After the long trip, they were filled with joy and pleasure of being in the Holy City of Jerusalem.

Prayer: With joy we seek to be in Your Presence, Mighty God, what pleasure it brings. May I daily seek to be with You. Amen.