Songs for Those Who Are Traveling Home (Psalms 120–122)

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Songs on the road have a way of pulling us forward when life pulls us apart. We walk through Psalms 120–122 and the ancient tradition of the Songs of Ascent—lyrics sung by pilgrims climbing toward Jerusalem—that still steady modern hearts surrounded by noise, deceit, and conflict. We start with a clear-eyed look at a world that prefers war to peace and lies to truth, then learn how honest lament becomes the first step of real pilgrimage.

From there, we rethink the familiar line, “I lift up my eyes to the hills.” Those hills weren’t safe; they were places of ambush and idolatry. Help doesn’t come from the landscape or from quick fixes perched on high places. Help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. We talk about the God who never sleeps, why his vigilance frees us to rest, and how his nearness is like shade that cools our fears in the heat of the day and stills our minds in the watches of the night. This is practical faith for anxious commuters, exhausted parents, and anyone tempted by easy escapes.

Finally, joy rises in Psalm 122 as David calls us to gather, give thanks, and look ahead. Jerusalem becomes a signpost of unity and a promise of a king from David’s line who will judge with justice and bring lasting peace. We unpack why praying for the peace of Jerusalem is a forward-facing prayer that longs for Christ’s return and a restored world. Along the way, we share simple, grounded ways to sing through struggle, resist the pull of counterfeit help, and travel with friends who point us back to worship.

If this journey helps you rest and hope, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs courage today, and leave a review to help others find the show. What line from these psalms will you carry into your week?

The Christian's Compass is a companion study guide that corresponds to each of these lessons along The Wisdom Journey. Download a copy for free, or cover the cost of printing and shipping and we'll mail you a booklet.

Learn More: https://www.wisdomonline.org/mp/the-christians-compass

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