Psalm Devotional
Look Up!
Psalm 121 is second in the series of the Songs of Ascents (120-134). This heading probably refers to God’s people going up to Mt. Zion in Jerusalem for the three annual feasts (2 Chron. 8:13; Ps. 24:3). These psalms are therefore even more suitable for us when we go up, as it were, to the heavenly Jerusalem in public worship (Heb. 12:18-24). Those who enjoy a long heritage of psalm singing testify that it was customary to use this psalm when traveling, especially to church events such as worship, camps, and conferences. Consider putting a psalter in your glove compartment and singing this and other psalms on your travels!
The psalmist is in the depths (Ps. 71:20) or in the valley (Ps. 23:4) and looks to the mountains for help (v. 1). He looks to the mountains because the One who made them is surely able to help him (vv. 1-2; Ps. 123:1; 125:1-2). Since the Creator is also his covenant Lord (vv. 2, 4), He is willing to help (Exod. 6:7). See God’s works and know that He is able to help you; hear God’s word and know that He is willing to do so (Rom. 1:20; 8:32).
