Day 5: Psalm 124

As one begins to pray with psalm 124, there is a very distinct line that opens the door to reflect in “hindsight” on the ways that the Lord has been “on our side”. The fact that the psalmist asks the people to also say this highlights the importance of this. In the context of the journey that the psalmist has been on from “home town” to Jerusalem was likely to have had some occasions where the psalmist, now safely in Jerusalem, can recount how the Lord has been one his side. In his book, Psalms for Life, John Eaton recounts how pilgrims traveling up the mountain routes to Jerusalem were always in potential danger of melting winter snows forming flood waters that would suddenly fill dry ravines and sweep people away who were traveling in them. This was a reality in the Holy Land, and did the psalmist know this!

This is just one example of the dangers that the pilgrim to Jerusalem might have encountered. Others that the psalmist eludes to include people (usually robbers) and wild animals. To arrive safely was likened to escaping from a deadly trap that was set. As a result of this escape/safe arrival, the psalmist can only come before the Lord with praise and thanksgiving to the maker of Heaven and earth!

John Eaton shares in his meditation on this psalm that it is good to reflect on dangers from which we have saved. He says that today, many are inclined to attribute this to chance or luck. However, what a wonderful thing to be able to say, “Blessed is the Lord who has not let me fall prey to their teeth, my help is in the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”
 
Psalm secret: There is a wonderful Christian Band, The Sons of Korah, who have been putting the psalms to music for over 20 years! Their rendition of Psalm 124 is very powerful and memorable. Using psalms put to music is wonderful way to memorize the psalms! It is one of my “secret” ways that I use to call the psalms to mind!

Pray Psalm 124 in your bible using the steps of Lectio Divina as shared in  praying with the scriptures on the St. Joseph Retreat Center website blog.

What are some of the things for which the psalmist/pilgrim is thankful?
 
Reflect back on your own life. What are some of the occasions for which in hindsight you can now say, “If the Lord had not been on our side…then…”
 
What words or phrases stood out to you?  Write them down in your journal, or memorize them so that they can give your courage on the journey to the Heavenly Jerusalem!