Walk Of Life – Day 30, January 2023 – Thoughts From The Book Of Psalms

Psalm 123 – Look Up To God

This is the fourth in the series of Song of Ascents sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem at feast time. These songs give us a pattern of preparation to meet with God and His people. This psalm is an example of how even a weighty matter of affliction can be put in few words of prayer.

The psalmist is afflicted by the proud and the arrogant and has set his longing eyes on God in hope for mercy and deliverance. He shows his dependence, submission and attitude of accepting discipline from God just like a faithful slave or a maid who looks unto the hand of their master or mistress. He is looking unto God’s –

• Directing Hands – Since he is afflicted and does not find a way out of it, he seeks direction from God so that he can act upon it.
• Supplying Hands – The psalmist looked unto God with a heart filled with thanksgiving just like the slaves looks unto their master for their provisions, may it be food, clothing or shelter.
• Assisting Hands – As he is not able to do the work by himself, he is looking for God’s strength to achieve his tasks.
• Protecting Hands – When he is accused wrongly and none is there to help, he looks at God’s hand of mercy to prove him right.
• Correcting Hands – When he did wrong, he seeks God’s rebuke which leads to perfection.
• Rewarding Hands – When all the work is done, he looked unto God for the eternal reward that brings blessing to him and the people around him.

One can easily relate to the psalmist who had faced hard time on the place where he lived or worked. Injustice is everywhere, the weak are suppressed and one can become so discouraged till every relationship will become meaningless. But God will be the strength of their heart and their portion forever and He will restore the fullness of life in them.