I CALL ON THE LORD

Psalm 120:1-7 / Keywords 120:1

I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.

 

A song of ascents.

120:1 I call on the Lord in my distress,

    and he answers me.

2 Save me, Lord,

    from lying lips

    and from deceitful tongues.

3 What will he do to you,

    and what more besides,

    you deceitful tongue?

4 He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,

    with burning coals of the broom bush.

5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,

    that I live among the tents of Kedar!

6 Too long have I lived

    among those who hate peace.

7 I am for peace;

    but when I speak, they are for war.

1. Save me from deceitful tongues (1-4). This psalm is the first of 15 songs of ascents sung by pilgrims going to Jerusalem. We are also pilgrims, traveling toward the heavenly Jerusalem. The psalmist suffered in the world because of deceitful people who spread lies about him. This is no small matter. The 9th commandment is about false witnesses. Jesus called the devil a liar and a murderer. Lies and deceit can kill the soul. The psalmist seeks only God's help.

 

2. Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech (5-7). Meshech was a distant country in what is now southern Russia. Kedar was a wandering tribe of the hostile Bedouins. They represent a hostile, dog-eat-dog world. The psalmist had been a part of this world, but he made a decision to return to God. He longed for God's peace.

 

Prayer Lord, I cannot overcome the world with my human skills. I cannot defend myself against slander and lies. I can only turn to you and call on your name.

One Word Save me, O Lord