Think of the last time you were in distress. Who was with you? What happened? When and where did it occur? Why was it so painful? How did you handle it—did you go directly to the Lord, or to a family member or friend, or did you withdraw in isolation? There are lots of reasons we feel distressed. Perhaps one of the most common is from words that wound. Proverbs says that “rash words are like sword thrusts” (Pr. 12:18). The author of Psalm 120 knew this well. You likely know this well too. So what do we do when wounding words pierce our hearts? Psalm 120 has the answer. But before we turn our attention to Psalm 120 we need to understand its broader context.
The Lord had commanded Israel to keep three festivals a year in the city of Jerusalem (see Deut. 16:16). It is likely that the fifteen Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134) were sung by the Israelites on their way to Jerusalem to keep the annual feasts, both before and after the exile. Therefore, it’s appropriate that the collection begins with the pilgrims far away from the temple in Jerusalem. They face temptations both from without (the devil and the world) and from within (their own flesh). These psalms present a picture of every believer’s journey to the new Jerusalem. They teach us about our journey as elect exiles on this earth and more importantly, about the Elect Exile who left His home in glory to fulfill His Father’s plan. They are arranged in a significant order—seven psalms on either side of the climactic one, Psalm 127, which highlights two of God’s promises to David (a place and progeny). Since the Songs of Ascents aid us in our worship of God we should study them often. In this brief article we will consider what the first one (Psalm 120) has to teach us.
Distress from Deceit
The author of this first song of ascent was in anguish. Yet notably, he knew what to do with his pain. “In my distress I called to the LORD” (Ps. 120:1). This faith-filled call was no futile exercise. He declares, “he [the Lord] answered me” (v. 1). The reason for his agony comes from “lying lips” and “a deceitful tongue” (v. 2). Words hurt, and they were hurting this pilgrim who was still far away from the holy city. No wonder he ached for justice, “What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?” (v. 3). And he believed his enemy would receive it: “A warrior’s sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree!” (v. 3). The psalmist’s confidence was rooted in God’s justice: “Vengeance is mine, and recompense….For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants” (Deut. 32:35-36).
Desire for Peace
Far away from the holy city, the psalmist laments that he lives among heathens: “Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar” (Psalm 120:5). These peoples “hate peace” (v. 6). It’s no surprise, then, that this pilgrim is in distress, “I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!” (v. 7). It’s understandable why the believer seeks peace. It’s a blessing from God, as revealed by the Aaronic blessing used by the priests to bless Israel, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-26; italics mine).
Those returning to Jerusalem from exile would have identified with the words of the psalmist. They too faced deceit from without and the desire for peace from within. But true and lasting peace would not come during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. It would have to wait until the Messiah came.
When Jesus was born there was a righteous man named Simeon living in Jerusalem who had been waiting for the peace of Israel. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit he went to the temple at the same time Mary and Joseph arrived to present Jesus to the Lord and offer a sacrifice. This “righteous and devout” man took Jesus in his arms and blessed God, saying, “my eyes have seen your salvation…a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:25-32).
Before Jesus was crucified He extended peace to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). The gift of such peace was the foundation of His exhortation, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (v. 27). Christ “himself is our peace” and has reconciled both Jews and Gentiles “to God in one body through the cross” (Eph. 2:14, 16). Such reconciliation was costly. Jesus was a man of sorrows who endured many lying lips and deceitful tongues in order to accomplish the redemption of God’s people. If you are a believer, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and peace is a product of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Therefore, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Col. 3:15) and “if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:18).
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If you are in distress today from the words of another, call out to the Lord. He will answer you and deliver you, though always in His time and way. Lying lips and deceitful tongues cause great pain, but the Lord offers you His peace in the midst of heartache. When you’re tempted to return rash words with sharp words of your own, stop and pray. Ask the Lord to help you allow the peace of Christ to reign in your heart. In this way you will overcome evil with good and honor the Lord.