The Songs of Ascent

Psalm 121 is one of 15 Psalms known as a "song of ascent." These were sung during the literal climb to Jerusalem, the highest point on Mount Moriah. While the original singers were physically climbing, these songs provide the spiritual context for our own journeys today.

A Lesson from the Wilderness: Climbing big hills to reach a peak is no easy task. It requires pushing through negative emotions, doubting feelings, and constant vigilance. Life has a way of being a journey that can involve times of uncertainty and feelings of being unprotected. It is in this place of vulnerability that David writes this Psalm.

The Internal Exam: Where does your help come from?

Most people tend to look for help in four horizontal places:

1&2. Family and Friends: We often go to those who tell us what we want to hear. If our inner circle is not following Jesus and pointing us back to Him, we are going to the wrong source.

3. Technology: We are surrounded by digital noise—Instagram therapists, fitness influencers, and AI. Doom-scrolling often serves as a way to disconnect rather than heal. Not everything you see is beneficial.

4. From Within: Modern society claims the answers are inside of us. However, we eventually get to the end of ourselves. We cannot study or grind enough to climb out of every hole.

The Horizontal Focus: All these things can only get us so far because they rely on human effort and worldly devices.

To Move Ahead, Look Upward

Forward movement requires focus on God, not circumstances. When you run, looking backward or only at your immediate surroundings throws off your balance and causes you to trip.

Practical Application: Meditate daily on one promise of God. Use sticky notes around your house, screenshots for your phone lock screen, or journal entries to keep God’s Word in front of your eyes.

Shifting Perspective: From Problems to God
Lifting our eyes changes our internal self-talk. It shifts our gaze to The Lord.

The Lesson of Peter (Matthew 14): Peter walked on water while the storm was still raging. The wind and waves didn't stop, but as long as his gaze was on Jesus, he was empowered. He only began to sink when he shifted his focus back to the strength of the wind.

The Reality of Life: Setting your eyes on Jesus doesn't mean the struggle disappears. Whether it is a wayward child, a struggling marriage, or work layoffs, we look up to the Lord even while the storm is active."We have to begin to tell our problems how big our God is instead of telling God how big our problems are."

Pursuit and Attention Create Spiritual Momentum

Spiritual growth does not happen by accident; we don’t "stumble" into a deep relationship with God. This Psalm is a call to action—to keep walking step-in-step with the Lord.

The Promises of the Protector:
- He will not allow your foot to slip.
- Your Protector does not slumber or sleep.
- The Lord is a shelter right by your side.
- The Lord will protect your life and your coming and going, both now and forever.

Conclusion & Reflection

The journey of spiritual growth happens through 1,000s of intentional steps. David wrote this Psalm from the middle of the journey, not a comfy recliner. Wherever you find yourself this morning, your protector is awake.

What is one concrete step you can take today?
What is something God has asked you to do that you have put off?
- Is it a phone call to reconcile a relationship?
- Is it reading the Word more consistently?
- Is it speaking to a coworker about Jesus?

Lift your eyes to where your help comes from.

Questions to go deeper

In what ways does focusing upward on God’s presence bring peace and clarity to your daily life?

Which specific promise of God provides you the most strength and encouragement to keep moving forward this week?