WEEK 1: PSALM 120
REPENTANCE
Repentance means to “turn to or toward.”
The psalmist writes, “Too long I have had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace.”
By setting our sights on the cross, desiring to imitate Christ, we discover that there are places, things, attitudes and behaviors that we will need to leave behind, to never pursue.
This first psalm is placed in a remote and foreign location far from home (in Meshech and Kedar–good luck finding those on a map). The pilgrim has a very strong sense of being out of place and not belonging. It’s not just that the location is far from the temple, it’s also the fact that lies and deception, conflict and war are the preoccupation of those on every side.
Let’s pray for peace, speak up for peace, and set our hearts on journeying closer to God this year. Don’t live like someone settled down and at ease especially with the hatred, conflicts and deception that is too common around us. Shake it off and set your direction to head home to God. Let’s start climbing!
Father God in Heaven,
I am feeling restless, scattered, far from home. In my relentless pursuit of home I find myself in a war—a battle within (for I do that which I do not want to do) and a battle without (I am an alien in a secular society). I long for peace Abba Father, a journey from restlessness to rest. I desire only you; bring peace upon my aching heart Lord God as I journey toward you.
For it is only through Christ that I am made righteous unto you that I lift my prayer.
Amen and amen
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