Thought for the Week

Psalm 123, a reverential acknowledgement of the writer’s relationship with God, and by inference, ours too. This Psalm can be broken into two sections, verses one and two recognise God’s position and his dwelling place, the writer then goes on to a metaphoric description of our relationship with our God. Verses three and four, a plea and an outcry from the writer for mercy from the scorning and shaming, and from, as described in verse four the proud and at ease.

The writer in verse two has illustrated a very humbling situation, becoming that of a servant. The metaphor of a servant in this passage is so similar, from our perspective to our relationship with God. It’s so eloquently put in the verse, “as the eyes of the servant look unto the hand of their masters… so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God” we look to God for our bearing and instruction. It is also interesting to note that continuing with this metaphor of a servant also applies to our daily needs, much like a servant we rely on our God to care for us, of ourselves we can do nothing it is only by the hands of our master that we have our daily requirements.

The writer then moves to look to the day of mercy, calling twice “have mercy upon us” in the verse. Verse two finished in anticipation for mercy, that the writer will look to the LORD until mercy is bestowed. Yet, verse three opens with two appeals for mercy, there is urgency, a picture of this great wait being burdened upon the writer is being painted, they are filled with this contempt, or another translation being rejection and despising, they look to the mercy of the LORD.

Verse four goes on to stress the writer’s suffering, “our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and the contempt of the proud”, the writer outpoured their vulnerability to God, the shaming and rejection of those around was becoming a weight to endure. However, they turned to the LORD begging for his mercy to release them from their affliction.

It’s an emotive Psalm, placing yourself in the shoes of the Psalmist how often do we feel the burden of trials, it may not always be in the same situation, rejection from our peers for our convict, but nonetheless left in a situation where we can feel helpless. Seek God with urgency, whether it’s day to day or for that ultimate day, seek God’s mercy. The writer turned to God and cried for mercy, a valuable lesson we can take from this Psalm, is that our natural reaction, to leave it in God’s hands and trust in His plan. We can often try and resolve issues ourselves, but if we allow God to enter our lives we will be liberated.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4v6-7