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On Your Way Up

There is something about heading towards a destination with a purpose that makes the journey a little more exhilarating. You pay attention. Your steps feel intentional – maybe even planned. Looking throughout Scripture, this theme is evident in the journey of the ancient Hebrew people. Their history is marked by it, and their words were laced with it.

For the last day of this study, let’s dive into a specific section of scripture known as the “Songs of Ascent” (Psalms 120-134). These are a collection of 15 Psalms that were traditionally sung by Jews as they made their way to Jerusalem for holy festivals, as well as by priests as they made their way up the steps of the temple. Jerusalem – a city on a hill – was an uphill climb (both literally and metaphorically) for those who were making the journey.

These psalms attest to the variety of emotions the people of Israel felt as they hoped for the promises of God to be fulfilled. Their nation had suffered under oppression and exile, but the steadfastness of their Creator could not be forgotten (Psalm 126:3). They made their way to this high place – this place of expectation – with songs of gratitude and grief (Psalm 130:1-2; 7-8). As the ancient Jews traveled towards their destination, they walked with hope and purpose (Psalm 130:6). They prayed relentlessly for their people and moved with consistency along the way. Each step mattered. Each step was one of unhinged, unfiltered worship.

Over the summer, I served in a refugee camp. Every day for a month, our team walked about a mile to get to its gates. It was a heavy walk. We all felt the weight of what we were about to step into, and unlike those seeking asylum, what we were allowed to step out of. A few days into the trip, I was reminded of the Songs of Ascent and the purpose found in an upward path. It changed things for me.

May we all walk in this same way. On your way up to a place of hope, let your lips speak of restoration, and your feet move with patience. There is intentionality in your journey, and you are not walking it alone. In what areas of your life, or this world, do you hope to see restoration? On your journey towards places of expectation, what prayers do you find yourself praying over and over?