Read
(A song for worship.)
A Prayer
1When I am in trouble, I pray,
2“Come and save me, Lord,
from deceitful liars!”
3What punishment is fitting
for you deceitful liars?
4Your reward should be
sharp and flaming arrows!
5But I must live as a foreigner
among the people of Meshech
and in the tents of Kedar.
6I have spent too much time
living among people
who hate peace.
7I am in favor of peace,
but when I speak of it,
all they want is war.
Reflect
Psalm 120 is the first in a series of “Pilgrim Psalms.” On this first step of the journey we find the Psalmist in distress. He is a foreigner in a land known for warlike and barbarian acts. We sense the Psalmist’s frustration at his ill-attempts to make peace.
I feel the Psalmist’s pain. Don’t you? I, too, have spent too much time living among people who hate peace (v 6). Some days I can hardly bear to turn on the news due to the broadcasts of abuse, famine, war and unrest in neighboring countries. Unfortunately I don’t have to turn on the television to witness it. War rages right within our own homes, and even in our churches.
Who hasn’t been at the mercy of deceitful lies, gossip or verbal attack? We’ve all experienced the frustration of efforts made toward peace to no avail. What happens when the other party refuses to make peace? What happens when the other party is no longer around to make peace? To quote my daughter when she was a toddler, instead of “sleeping in heavenly peace” we are “sleeping in heavenly pieces.” We are broken, hurting, and in desperate need of peace on earth and good will toward men.
I would love to think I could resolve every conflict I face; however, it’s not always possible. There are times I must find peace in my heart, knowing that as far as it has depended on me, I have lived at peace with all men (Romans 12:18).
We are all pilgrims on a journey. Step-by-step we are ascending toward a place where peace will reign. We will have a celebration like no other: the wedding feast of the Lamb. On that day we will meet face to face the Prince of Peace. I can’t wait!
Respond
Wonderful Saviour, Prince of Peace, I’m a foreigner in this world at war. Thank you that I can come to you for comfort and protection. I look forward to the day when I can celebrate at your table. Until then, help me in my efforts to live at peace. Amen
Lisa Elliott
Lisa Elliott is a popular inspirational speaker and award-winning author of The Ben Ripple; Choosing to Live through Loss with Purpose and Dancing in the Rain. Born and raised in Toronto, ON, Lisa is a graduate of Ontario Bible College (Tyndale). She is a pastor’s wife of over 25 years and mother of four children (3 on earth, 1 in heaven). She has written for Just Between Us Magazine and writes a column for Word Alive Press’s website entitled, Straight from the Heart. Lisa’s passion is to share the life changing truths and principles from God’s Word straight from the heart. She and her husband, David are presently serving the Lord in London, Ontario.