It’s not about us, and we’re never alone (no matter what we think)
By Dean Collins
For the last 3 weeks I have been working through the psalms of ascent. These 15 psalms were spoken or sung during the pilgrimage of faithful Jews as they traveled to celebrate three different feasts in Jerusalem. Today is the last psalm in this series, Psalm 134. I believe it was prayed as the worshippers stood at the temple. They had traveled in unity and in obedience to celebrate the feasts and to worship.
A priest was always there
No matter what time the worshippers might arrive at the temple they would find a priest at work. Even at night, there were priests who made sure the candlesticks did not go out. Psalm 134 calls everyone to bless or worship the God of Heaven. There will always be benefit to us when we worship, but our worship is not about us. We worship to honor and praise our Creator, our God, our Savior, our King.
As the pilgrim worshippers arrived at the temple, it appears they also came to encourage those with responsibilities throughout the night. Their praise to God was an encouragement to those who labor for the Lord through the watches of the night when no one else sees them. There is a reminder for us to continue our worship even when no one is around.
Others are always worshipping
There are moments and even seasons where we may feel we are alone in our service and worship of God. But Psalm 134 is a reminder that there are always others worshipping, serving, and lifting up the name of Jesus. We must never make the mistake of thinking God has placed all the burden on us to accomplish his work.
The prophet Elijah made that mistake. He assumed he carried the whole weight of God’s plan on his soldiers, yet he learned that Obadiah in the same difficult season as Elijah, had risked his life to save 100 prophets. And when Elijah was running in fear from Jezebel and told God he was the only one left serving God, God revealed to him that 7,000 in Israel had never bowed to Baal. Our fatigue may well lead to the proud assumption that everything depends on us. Psalm 134 reminds us that many work and worship through the night when no one else is looking. We all have a turn to praise, worship, and serve in our moment and beside others who we may not see but are serving alongside of us.
God’s Spirit is always available
The psalms of ascent end with this wonderful blessing: “May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!”
Just now as you are likely alone reading this devotion, my prayer is that the Lord will strengthen and bless you from his throne in Heaven. May God’s presence fill you and may his Spirit remind you that you are not alone. There are thousands, even millions, who may at this very moment be praying and praising him too. As we worship together, may God strengthen us and use us for his glory and to extend his kingdom here as it is in Heaven! Amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 134:1-3; 1 Kings 18:13; 19:10-18 ESV
Photo by metamorworks at istockphoto.com
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